His departure comes following Saturday`s 5-2 defeat at Grimsby Borough that leaves them next-to-bottom in the table, only ahead of basement side Athersley Recreation on goal difference.

A statement from chairman Mark Gregory on http://bartontownfc.co.uk read: "We have made the difficult decision to relieve manager Dave Ricardo of his duties as manager of Barton Town Football Club.

"The decision comes after a poor start to the season, picking up just one league win in six.

"The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Dave for the hard work and dedication he gave to the club during his time in charge.

"The defining point in Dave's tenure as Swans boss was a miraculous fourteen-game unbeaten run which saw us turn from relegation candidates to a mid-table side.”

Gregory added: "This was a tough decision the club had to make.

"With the ambition of the club going forward we felt this was the right decision to make at this stage.

"Dave is a top bloke and I'm sure he will soon be back in a management role and I'm sure he will give another 110% to a new club like he has given us that 110%.

"It just hasn't worked out for Dave and I wish him all the best for the future and I'm sure we will remain good friends going forward."

James Bennett and Ian Durnian will take the reins for tonight`s visit of Liversedge in the NCEL League Cup at the Easy Buy Stadium.