Mark Kennedy leaves post as Lincoln City manager

Lincoln have announced the departures of head coach Mark Kennedy and assistant Danny Butterfield.

The Imps have won only one of their last six Sky Bet League One matches and sit 16th in the table, five points off the the play-off places.

In a statement on their official website, the Imps said first-team coach Tom Shaw had been placed in temporary charge.

The club said: "Head coach Mark Kennedy and assistant head coach Danny Butterfield have left the Imps.

"Mark took charge of City in the summer of 2022, overseeing more than 70 games. He was joined by Danny in December of that year.

"First-team coach Tom Shaw will take charge of the first team on an interim basis while the club undertakes a thorough process to identify our next head coach."

Former Republic of Ireland, Liverpool and Manchester City winger Kennedy left his post as Birmingham assistant head coach to succeed Michael Appleton as permanent boss at Sincil Bank.

Kennedy, who earned 34 caps for Ireland between 1995 and 2002, signed a number of his compatriots during his time at the club, drafting in Danny Mandroiu, Dylan Duffy, Paudie O'Connor and Olamide Shodipo.

Butterfield, who spent eight years as a defender for Crystal Palace, had previously worked as Kennedy's assistant at Macclesfield.

Lincoln chief executive Liam Scully added: "Everyone at the club thanks Mark and Danny for their contribution to the Imps over their time with us, and we wish them well in their future coaching careers. They leave with our thanks and best wishes."

With additional reporting: PA

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