Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink sacked by Northampton after just six months in charge

JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK has been axed as Northampton boss after just six months in charge.

A 2-0 defeat at Peterborough proved to be the final straw for the Dutchman, 45, with Cobblers two points adrift of safety in League One.

The Cobblers are without a win in their last nine games and their players were left SOBBING in the dressing room after Friday's 4-0 home defeat to Charlton.

Chairman Kelvin Thomas: "We are sorry to see Jimmy depart as he has worked very hard for us but felt a change at this point was in the best interests of the club.

"We thank Jimmy for his work as manager of Northampton Town and we wish him the very best for the future."

A run of three straight wins in January lifted the Cobblers to 18th but they are now 22nd and facing the drop into League Two.

Thomas added: "We understand we are in a very tough spot and what the task in hand is, but I’m confident that the players, supporters and staff will all unite behind Dean and Jon for the remaining five games of the season.

"It has certainly been a challenging time for the club, but we need to look forward and put our full focus on these remaining five fixtures."

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The ex-Chelsea and Netherlands striker, 45, arrived on a three-year deal in September, replacing Justin Edinburgh.

The Cobblers job was Hasselbaink's third in England, following spells in charge of Burton and QPR.