Peterborough United have announced that they have parted company with manager Dave Robertson.

The League One side have picked up four points from their opening six matches of the season, and have lost three of their last four matches, leaving them 20th in the table.

In a statement on the club's website, chairman Darragh MacAnthony said: "I would personally like to thank David for stepping in last season when the club was at a low point after the previous manager's departure. He steadied the ship, put a smile on everyone's faces again and worked tirelessly each day to improve the club's fortunes on the pitch.

"After the season had finished, I felt it fair to give David a proper shot and appointed him first team manager on a full-time basis with the remit to get our young squad ready and prepared for a proper promotion challenge this season whilst attempting to play the kind of football our fans have become accustomed to over the last eight or nine years.

"Unfortunately after yesterday's result and the manner of defeat, I felt it was time to take action and make a change as it had become plain to see our young squad was under-performing and playing nowhere near their potential. Make no mistake, our players must also shoulder responsibility for this awful start to the season which has now led to a great person losing their job."

Peterborough suffered a 2-1 defeat to newly-promoted Southend United at Roots Hall yesterday.