Scunthorpe sack Baraclough

Ian Baraclough has been sacked as manager of Championship club Scunthorpe after just seven months in charge.

Baraclough, 40, took over the role following the departure of Nigel Adkins to Southampton in September 2010.

His removal comes after a run of five defeats in the last six matches, one that has left the club inside the relegation zone and four points adrift of safety.

Their latest reverse was a 3-0 defeat at home to fellow relegation candidates Preston North End.

“Scunthorpe United Football Club has relieved Ian Baraclough of his first team duties with immediate effect,” the club said in a statement.

“The difficult decision was reached in light of the team’s disappointing performances.”

Assistants Steve Parkin and Kevin Pressman have also left the club.

Head youth coach Tony Daws will take charge of the team for Saturday’s match away to Ipswich Town.

He will be assisted by chief scout Lee Turnbull.

Baraclough spent four years with Scunthorpe as a defender between 2004 and 2008.

Adkins appointed Baraclough as first-team coach in 2006, a position he combined with his playing duties.

Former Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws has already been linked with a return to Glanford Park.

The 50-year-old spent nine years as Scunthorpe manager between 1997 and 2006, guiding the club to two promotions.

He is without a club after being sacked as Burnley manager in December, but Scunthorpe chairman Steve Wharton moved immediately to play down the reports.

“Brian is still a very good friend of mine – but I would not use that friendship to try and encourage him to be interested in the job,” Wharton said.

“Brian has served this club very well in the past but it is always dangerous to consider returning to old ground too many times.”