Ex-Newcastle United & Rangers star leaves first management job after 18 games following relegation

Newcastle United legend Duncan Ferguson has left his role as Forest Green Rovers manager after less than six months in charge.

The former striker, who made 41 appearances for the Magpies between 1998 and 2000, signed a five-year contract with the side in January when the team sat rock bottom of League One.

Forest Green Rovers were relegated to League Two at the end of the campaign and now leaves what was his first permanent managerial role - Ferguson had stepped in on an interim basis at Everton in the past.

Forest Green Rovers are regarded as the ‘greenest club in the world’ with the stadium powered by renewable energy and dishing up vegan food.

Chairman, Dale Vince, said: "It’d been a privilege to work with Dunc these last few months and this was a very difficult decision to make. I’m grateful to Dunc for joining us in such difficult circumstances and for all of his hard work at the club.

"But I feel this is overall the right decision for everyone and I wish Dunc well in his next coaching role. We are parting as friends. You can’t ask for much more than that."

Ferguson scored 12 goals for Newcastle United and appeared in two FA Cup finals for the side, although his time at St James' Park was hampered by a Hernia injury.

The 51-year-old affirmed his commitment to Forest Green Rovers in March, despite their precarious league position. He said: "I love Everton, but I'm at Forest Green. The owner knows I'm a man of my word, and I've told him I won't be going anywhere unless he tells me. And that's it.

"It doesn't matter if Everton come in for me tomorrow, or Real Madrid come in for me next week. I will not be leaving this club. That's an absolute fact. He showed faith in bringing me to the club and he gave me a big contract. He showed that loyalty to me, and I'll show that loyalty back to him."