HAVING twice brought Paul Sturrock to Home Park, Plymouth Argyle deputy chairman Paul Stapleton knows better than most just what the Scotsman has done for the Pilgrims over the years.

"Today is a sad day for me," Stapleton said yesterday after he confirmed that Sturrock had been relieved of his role as manager of the struggling Coca-Cola Championship outfit. "I have twice brought Paul Sturrock to this club, and as a board we would like to thank Paul for his considerable contribution.

"He was manager, effectively, when we had promotions in 2001-02 and again in 2003-04. Although he left with 12 games to go in 2004, we were just about over the line and we thank him for that championship-winning team.

"We trust he will be held in high esteem by all Argyle fans for what he has contributed," Stapleton added.

In March 2004, it was the lure of managing in the Premier League which saw Sturrock leave Home Park for Southampton. His stay at St Mary's, however, was short-lived and he departed by mutual consent in late August of that year, following a disappointing sequence of results.

Within a month of his exit, clubs were already lining up to acquire his services, and Sturrock subsequently joined Sheffield Wednesday, where he stayed until October 2006.

Although sacked from his post at Hillsborough, the former Scotland forward again found work quickly and was snapped up by Swindon Town in November of the same year.

He stayed at the County Ground until the chance of a Home Park return prompted Stapleton, Argyle's chairman at the time, to bring Sturrock back to Devon in November 2007.

"When Paul left in 2004, I didn't want him to go," Stapleton explained. "I tried to persuade him to stay and I talked to him throughout the period that he had left us. Even when we appointed Ian Holloway, we earlier checked on Paul's availability.

"Then, when Ian Holloway left us, I knew from a third party that Paul was ready to walk back to Plymouth. He felt he had unfinished business, so we were all very keen for Paul to be part of our success and continue our success. Sadly, the results of last year and the beginning of this year have proven that we need to make a change. As I said, though, it is a great shame."

With such success first time around, it was inevitable that expectation levels for Sturrock would be huge. Stapleton added: "I know people say that, especially if you have great success in your first spell at a club. Personally, I don't want people to think of Paul in any other light than him being a very successful manager for Plymouth Argyle."

For a number of weeks, Argyle supporters have been growing restless, following the displays and the results of the team. Stapleton admitted the board has monitored the situation closely, and added that yesterday's decision was based on all the relevant factors.

"Results are obviously key, but the crowds we've have been getting has also had an effect on us," he said. "They are showing us we need to do something and we are conscious of that. The whole board are aware of things and we are now looking forward to getting more fans back in, winning football games, and moving back up that table."

It means head coach Paul Mariner – who has been entrusted with handling team affairs, for the time being at least – has little time to waste.

"Paul Mariner has a tough job ahead," Stapleton warned. "We've played 19 games and have 15 points. There are still a few clubs near us, but it's time to push on. We need to start getting wins, scoring goals and making scoring chances. I know it's easier said than done, but we have to try and go out and win games.

"At the end of the day, as a club we have ambitions to go upwards, not downwards. We can't afford for this football club to go down – not only money-wise, but ambition and aspiration wise. We are attempting to be a World Cup host city, we have plans for a 46,000-seat stadium, so the plans are very much at least the Championship, maybe even higher. It's easier to get to the Premier League from the Championship than League One."