Former Manchester United and Leeds United striker Alan Smith has been appointed caretaker manager of Notts County following the sacking of previous incumbent John Sheridan.
The ex-England international has been a player-coach with the League Two strugglers.
Smith, who turned 36 in October 2016, has never previously occupied a managerial role.
He will take on the job until a permanent boss is appointed, with ex-Wales goalkeeper Mark Crossley staying on as assistant.
"The most important thing right now is for everyone - players, staff and fans - to stick together," Smith told the club website.
"There’s no getting away from it, it’s been a very, very disappointing season so far. But there are lots of points still to play for and we are determined and confident of putting things right."
Smith came through the youth ranks at Leeds United in the 1990s, before being part of a successful side under David O'Leary which performed well in the UEFA Cup, Champions League and Premier League before financial problems eventually led to relegation at the end of the 2003-04 season.
Smith then signed for Manchester United in 2004 where he was converted into a midfielder.
An injury affected three year spell saw him depart Old Trafford in 2007, signing for Newcastle United.
After two years at MK Dons between 2012 and 2014, he then joined Notts County as a player-coach.
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