Downes gets sack from troubled Brentford

Garry Thompson was today appointed caretaker manager of Brentford after the club sacked Wally Downes in a desperate bid to avoid relegation.

The search for a full-time successor has already started, but assistant manager Thompson will be in charge for tomorrow's game at Blackpool.

Brentford's directors ran out of patience with Downes after Saturday's 2-0 home defeat by Stockport, during which a section of fans called for his dismissal.

The result extended the club's miserable run to one win in 18 league games and leaves them 23rd in Division Two, five points adrift of safety.

Chairman Eddie Rogers said: "I think it's very disappointing for everyone at the club, but a decision had to be made because results have been disappointing of late.

"I feel very sorry for Wally, he is a great character. I do not know exactly how it's gone wrong because he did a terrific job earlier in the season.

"But we have only won once since November and have been losing to teams that are below us in the league. Three weeks ago, I did not think relegation was on the cards, now I feel we are staring it in the face.

"I really did not think it would come to this. We've been waiting for the result that is going to turn our season round, but it has not happened. Something had to change, we need to be in the Second Division next year." Downes, who was appointed in June 2002, is understood to be shocked by the decision.

Rogers added: "I have spoken to Wally and he was very disappointed. Everyone at the club is disappointed. He has done good things for Brentford, I would like to thank him for that. No decision has been made on a successor. We have not yet considered anybody."