Macken was appointed in September 2017 and a statement from the club reads: “The Board wish to inform that manager Jonathan Macken has stepped down with immediate effect.

“The club wishes to make known its sincere thanks for the job Jon has done for the club over the past two and a half years, in particular gaining promotion last season and taking the club to a strong position in the mix for the play-offs this season.

“We have no doubt that Jon Macken has a bright future in the game and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Macken started his career with Premier League Manchester United in 1995 but was released two years later after failing to make a first-team appearance.

After joining Preston North End in 1997 in a £250,000 deal, he went on to score 63 goals in 189 appearances before being sold to Manchester City in 2002 for £5 million and scored 7 goals in 51 appearances during his three years with City.

He went on to have spells with Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Derby County, Barnsley, Walsall, Stockport County and Northwich Victoria.