Cheltenham Town assistant manager Kevin Russell has left the club by mutual consent, marking the first staff move since Darrell Clarke took over as manager.
Russell joined the club during pre-season after working with Wade Elliott with the Under-21s at Stoke City.
Elliott’s dismissal on September 20 made it plain that the former Wrexham, Leicester City, and Stoke City forward did not want to be considered for the top job.
Russell stepped in as interim manager for the games against Stevenage and Lincoln City while the club conducted interviews to locate Elliott’s replacement before finalizing Clarke’s arrangements.
And while he has continued to assist Clarke in his first two games, the 56-year-old said his goodbyes after Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Derby County, and his departure has been announced.
“I am extremely grateful to Kevin for his hard work and dedication and for his willingness to step in to manage the side during an extremely difficult period between Wade leaving and Darrell’s appointment,” David Bloxham, the chairman of the Robins, said.
“I wish Kevin well for the future and he will always be a welcome visitor to the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.”
Clarke will now choose his own number two, with Ashley Vincent poised to continue as first team coach and a critical link with the club’s academy.
Dave Watson, a part-time set piece coach, is said to have left shortly after Elliott.
* On Tuesday evening (7.30pm), Cheltenham Town will host Newport County AFC in the EFL Trophy group stage.
