Crawley Town have sacked manager Francis Vines.

Reds are third bottom in the Conference after winning three of their first 14 league games and suffered an embarrassing FA Cup exit against Ryman League Braintree on Saturday.

Assistant boss Murray Jones will take temporary charge until a new manager is appointed.

Joint-owner and director Chas Majeed said: "It was felt by the board that it was time for a change. The priority now is to find a new manager as soon as possible to fill the position.

"The owners would like to say thank you to Francis for all he has done for the football club."

Vines, who gave up a job at Royal Mail to sign a full-time contract in August, is the most successful boss in the club's history.

He took over in January 2003 and led Crawley to seven trophies and promotion to non-league's top flight for the first time.

Reds finished 12th in the Conference last season, which was their highest ever position, as one of only six part-time clubs.

He became increasingly under pressure following the club's take-over by the SA Group in the summer and subsequent switch to full-time status.

Club consultant Alan Mullery, who denies he had anything to do with decision, said: "Francis has paid the price for results and that is what all managers live and die by.

"He was extremely successful before this season but that does not count for anything in football.

"Managers are under pressure to get results at every level, no matter who they are. If Chelsea don't win the title this season, then people will say Jose Mourinho has not done a good job.

"Some are saying Alex Ferguson is not doing a good job now and look at what he has done for Manchester United.

"I have been in the same position as he (Vines) has and I know it is not a nice situation but that is what happens in this game.

"It is a shame but the facts are that the results have not been good enough for Crawley this season.

"They have played 16 games and have only won three of them. They are third from bottom and are out of the LDV Vans and FA Cup, so you are only looking at survival now."

Mullery says the club will advertise for the position before making an appointment.

He said: "We have to wait and see what the reaction will be to the job. Sometimes you can be surprised at the quality of managers who are interested.

"You can look at who is available but some might be still affiliated to a club and you don't know are interested. We will advertise and see who gets in contact."

Captain Ian Simpemba said: "It is a massive disappointment for the players. We didn't have any idea it was going to happen but you have to say it is not surprising.

"The results have not been good enough this season and, unfortunately in football, the buck always stops with the manager.

"The players feel to blame and we should do. We have been poor and have let Frank down badly."

Former Albion striker Steve Claridge has ruled himself out of the running after speculation linked the 39-year-old with the job.

Claridge, who is currently playing for Bradford, was sacked as manager of Millwall during the summer.

He said: "I have signed for Bradford City until the end of the season and, as I said last week, am keen to look beyond that.

"I've no desire to manage Crawley or any other club at the present time. In fact, I want to play until I drop."