Hednesford Town part company with Harry Harris

Harris' assistant Steve Hinks has also left the club, it has been confirmed.

The pair arrived at the Pitmen at the end of October following the dismissal of previous manager Danny Glover.

They inherited a side that had won just once all season in the Pitching In NPL West Division and went on to take charge of 18 matches in all competitions - picking up five wins, five draws and eight defeats.

However, a run of four successive defeats has left the club in what they have described as an "unhealthy position", with Harris' final game in charge culminating in a 1-0 defeat at home to Mossley last Saturday.

A club statement said: "It is with deep regret that we can confirm the club has parted company this morning with first team manager Harry Harris and assistant manager Steve Hinks.

"Both Harry and Steve took over at the club at a very difficult time and unfortunately, results recently have been well below expectation, leaving the club in an unhealthy position.

"A change is felt necessary to give Hednesford Town the best chance to stay at Step 4.

"We would like to thank both Harry and Steve for their time and commitment to the club. It goes without saying that we wish them every success in the future, and they will always be welcome at Keys Park Stadium."

Following the departure of the 35-year-old, Mike McGrath - whose arrival at the club was only confirmed on Thursday night - will take charge on an interim basis until a permanent successor has been appointed, starting against Romulus in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

McGrath was one of a raft of signings made in recent days, with former Premier League forward Nathan Delfouneso, experienced striker Jake Jervis, goalkeeper Ryan Brown and former Darlington right-back Blaine Rowe also linking up with the Pitmen.

However, Jervis and Rowe were unavailable for Saturday's defeat, in what proved to be Harris' final game in charge.

Taking to social media following his departure, Harris said: "Gutted to have been sacked by Hednesford Town this morning.

"I want to thank all the players and staff for the last three months. I’ve loved every minute of it. All the best for the future."

Hednesford are currently five points from safety in the NPL West Division and are next in league action against promotion-chasing Runcorn Linnets on Saturday.