Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam has been sacked by Fleetwood Town following Saturday's defeat by Barrow.

The 2-0 loss leaves the Lancashire club in 18th place in League Two, eight points above the relegation zone. But Saturday’s defeat at Holker Street was Fleetwood’s third in the last four games, while it has won just one of the last 11 league matches.

In a statement on Sunday - just three days before Christmas - the club confirmed its decision, with Adam relieved of his duties. “Fleetwood Town can confirm Charlie Adam has left the club with immediate effect.

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“Owner Jamie Pilley said: ‘I’d like to personally thank Charlie for his commitment and professionalism over the last 12 months. He’s been a pleasure to work with but recent results meant we felt a change was necessary. I wish him well for the future.'

“All at Fleetwood Town would like to thank Charlie for his hard work and commitment. The Club will issue a further update on the first team staff in due course.”

Adam took over the club on New Year's Eve 2023 but couldn’t prevent Fleetwood’s relegation to League Two, English football’s fourth tier. The Cod Army had spent 10 years in League One prior to its relegation.

Adam escaped much of the burden of blame given his mid-season appointment and the issues surrounding Fleetwood’s ownership, with former owner Andy Pilley jailed for 13 years in 2023 for multi-million pound fraud.

Adam’s sacking brings an end to a turbulent 12 months in charge of Fleetwood and his first managerial job. The 39-year-old only retired in 2022 following a distinguished career that saw him represent Rangers, Blackpool, Stoke City and Dundee.

The ex-Scotland international also made 37 appearances for Liverpool during his sole year at Anfield. Kenny Dalglish brought Adam to Liverpool for a fee of around £9m in 2011 but he left shortly after Brendan Rodgers ' appointment as manager.

Adam did play a key role in Liverpool’s League Cup success in 2011/12 and he played the full 120 minutes in the final as the Reds beat Cardiff City on penalties. As for Fleetwood, its next match comes against Chesterfield on Boxing Day.