Penney drops!

Dave Penney: left the club after a poor season

MANAGER Dave Penney has left Athletic.

The 45-year-old, who has been in charge at Boundary Park since the start of the season, departs on the eve of the final game of the season against Charlton Athletic halfway through his two-year contract.

Assistant manager Martin Gray will take temporary charge of the team on Saturday.

Penney has had a turbulent season at the helm, with fans calling for his head as a result of a disappointing campaign in which the club narrowly avoided relegation to Coca-Cola League Two.

The former Doncaster and Darlington boss was not present at the usual pre-match press conference today.