Retford United have parted company with manager Paul Ward, the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division side have announced.

The Badgers also revealed in a statement on the club's website that they have brought in Russ Eagle as his successor in a bid to avoid relegation.

It read: "The poor run of form that has seen the Badgers pick up only seven points out of a possible thirty since November was a deciding factor to bring fresh management to try and pull the Badgers up the table.

"A seven point gap has opened up between Retford and their nearest rivals above them in the league with a tough run of games to come.

"Wins against Selston and Hucknall Rolls Leisure in the Senior Cup and victory over Shirebrook Town in the League Cup have been the only wins to date since December.

"The club would like to put on record their thanks for the commitment given by Paul over the last season and wish him well for the future.

"The club have moved quickly to appoint a successor and Russ Eagle will take over for the game against Barton Town Old Boys on Wednesday evening.

"Eagle has experience at this level with Parkgate, Maltby Main and more recently Handsworth Parramore where he won the Division One title a few years ago.

"Eagle will be speaking to the current players and will have some that he will bring in prior to the Barton game where he will look to kick start the season and help the club as they aim to retain their Premier Division status."