Carlisle United's League Two rivals Swindon are facing major upheaval after their newly-appointed manager quit - amid a High Court ruling over the club's future.

A dramatic day in Wiltshire saw boss John McGreal and No2 Rene Gilmartin walk out after just weeks in charge.

In a statement the pair said the decision was made because "we feel we are not able to carry out our duties as manager and assistant manager".

McGreal had only been appointed on May 26 as successor to ex-Carlisle boss John Sheridan at the newly-relegated club, who are due to host United on the second weekend of the 2021/22 season.

The duo added: "Our intention from day one was to build a football team to compete in this league, but unfortunately due to the current circumstances the club is facing, we do not feel we are able to do that.

"As mentioned earlier this week, we have signings ready to be announced, however the legal proceedings involving the ownership has not allowed us to do so, making our positions at the club untenable.”

On a day when chief executive Steve Anderton also left the County Ground club, a High Court hearing saw Swindon owner Lee Power told by a High Court judge that he must offer to sell all 85 shares in Swinton Reds - a company which indirectly owns the club to Clem Morfuni's Axis.

The Swindon Advertiser report that, due to the pre-emption process that remains in place, Power - an unpopular figure with many Town fans - is not entitled to sell STFC to his preferred option of AC Sports without first offering it for sale to Axis, as Axis is a minority shareholder in Swinton Reds, a company which indirectly owns the club.

In a formal written judgement, Deputy High Court Judge Nicholas Thompsell told Power he has the right to appeal the decision but, as things stand, he must accept the £212,500 sale price initially marked out via the shareholder's agreement and not the £250,000 that he wanted.