Earlier today Cheltenham Town sacked manager Mark Yates, after the Birmingham-born, former midfielder had spent almost five years in charge of the Gloucestershire club.
44-year-old Yates, who won promotion as a player with the club, departed Whaddon Road after almost five years in charge, having been appointed back in 2009, this made him the second longest-serving manager in the Football League, with only Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale, who was appointed in June of 2006, ahead of him.
Walsall manager Dean Smith, who was appointed, initially as caretaker, on 4th January 2011, now becomes the third longest-serving manager with only Milton Keynes Dons manager Karl Robinson, and the aforementioned Paul Tisdale ahead of him.
Peterborough United manager Darren Ferguson, who was appointed for his second spell in-charge of the Posh around the same time as Smith, and Morecambe boss Jim Bentley, who took the reins in May 2011, round out the top five.