ASSISTANT manager Paul Carden has taken charge of Tranmere Rovers on an interim basis following the sacking of Gary Brabin on Sunday.

The ex-Southport manager, 37, joined Brabin’s staff at Prenton Park in July.

He will be assisted by first-team coach Shaun Garnett and head of academy and recruitment Lee Jones.

The announcement of Brabin’s departure came a day after they lost 1-0 to Sutton United in the Vanarama National League. 

It was their third defeat in four games and followed a run of seven games unbeaten at the start of the campaign.

Rovers chairman Mark Palios said on Sunday: “Gary Brabin and I have agreed today that his position at Tranmere will end immediately.

“I would like to thank Gary for his hard work and contribution over the past 16 months in building a strong squad of players, getting us back fighting for promotion places and setting some club records in the process.

“However, we have agreed that it is best now to allow someone else to take the club to the next stage.”

Carden's first match in charge will be against Woking on Saturday.