Torquay United has issued a statement, announcing that the Board has decided to terminate the contract of manager Martin Ling with immediate effect.
The club says the decision is based purely on the team's recent footballing performances, including early exits in all three cup competitions.
The future career of Torquay United's Manager Martin Ling appears to be in doubt after his continued absence from the club through illness.
It's understood the 46-year-old is unlikely to be able to resume his duties in the near future and the club are now looking to appoint an experienced man to help assistant manager Shaun Taylor. Jeff Welch reports.
The future of Torquay United's Manager Martin Ling appears to be in some doubt after the Gulls boss's continued absence from the club through illness. The club is now looking to appoint an experienced manager to help the Torquay coach Shaun Taylor.
The club has issued this statement: 'United Manager Martin Ling is currently being treated for a debilitating illness. He is receiving specialist care and, while we are able to report that his is making some progress, it is anticipated that Martin will be away from work for several weeks.
'Club and the League Manager's Association are fully supportive and are looking forward to his return.
'In the meantime, United officials have held talks with assistant manager Shaun Taylor and we have agreed to actively seek an experienced coach to help Shaun with the running of the team. This process has already begun in earnest.'
Torquay United's manager Martin Ling is in hospital with a 'debilitating illness' according to the club. He is apparently making some progress, but is likely to be away from work for several weeks. He is receiving specialist care.
Torquay United's manager is not at tonight's Devon derby with Exeter.
Martin Ling complained of headaches yesterday and spent the night in hospital. He was discharged today and is recuperating at home. It's not known what was wrong with him.
Torquay's assistant manager Shaun Taylor, the former Exeter City captain, takes charge of The Gulls.
In football, Torquay drew one-all at home to Exeter in last night's re-arranged Devon derby. It's the first time in five away matches the Grecians haven't won. Our Sports Correspondent Matthias Kurth sent this report from the ground.