Paul Tisdale has been sacked as manager of Sky Bet League One strugglers Bristol Rovers after less than three months in the role.

The former Exeter and MK Dons boss signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Rovers on November 19 as the successor to Ben Garner, who was axed with the club sitting 18th in the third tier.

However, Tisdale’s arrival has not led to an upturn in results and they sit above the drop zone on goal difference alone following Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Oxford which stretched their winless run to eight matches.

Director of football Tommy Widdrington has been placed in temporary charge as Rovers also announced Mel Gwinnett has “left his role as football operations”.

“Bristol Rovers can confirm that it has parted company with manager Paul Tisdale,” said a statement on the club website.

“Tommy Widdrington will be taking charge of the first team on a temporary basis, while the club undertakes the process of appointing a new manager. Tommy will be assisted by Jack Mesure and Kevin Maher.

“The club would like to thank both Paul and Mel for their efforts and wish them both the best of luck for the future.”

Tisdale won just three out of 15 league games during his brief stint with Rovers, who have the same number of points as Wigan, Swindon and Northampton, a trio of clubs that occupy places in the relegation zone.