League Two strugglers Bury have terminated the contracts of boss Chris Casper and director of football Keith Alexander with immediate effect.

The pair were told at the end of December that their positions would be reviewed on a "game-to-game basis" and Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Darlington persuaded the Shakers' board to act.

Bury have not won in eight games and lie 19th in League Two.

A club statement read: "The board of directors at Bury FC have terminated the contracts of Chris Casper and Keith Alexander with immediate effect.

"This decision has come at a difficult time for the club, but it was felt that the decision had to be taken earlier, rather than later.

"Unfortunately the management team of Chris Casper and Keith Alexander has lost the confidence of a large majority of the fans, and the directors have taken this decision for the benefit of Bury FC.

"The board of directors would like to thank Chris Casper and Keith Alexander for their efforts in taking the club forward."