Akçay throws in the towel at Trabzonspor

Mustafa Akçay has stepped down as coach of UEFA Europa League contenders Trabzonspor AŞ following a run of disappointing league results in Turkey.

The 55-year-old tendered his resignation in the wake of Sunday's 4-2 home defeat by Akhisar Belediyespor, with the board agreeing to terminate his contract with immediate effect. "Sadly, I am stepping down from the post where I have been working with diligence and passion," he said.

"I wish Trabzonspor the best. I would like to thank team captain Onur Kıvrak, Olcan Adın and Mustafa Yumlu and the rest of the players. Their characters will contribute to a better future, and I truly believe that."

Akçay made his name by winning promotion to the second tier with TKİ Tavşanlı Linyitspor in 2009/10. Their survival at that level the following season prompted Trabzonspor's feeder club 1461 Trabzon to take him on. Their third-place finish in the same division last term earned Akçay a move to Trabzonspor in summer 2013.

Akçay's interim successor is his former assistant, Hami Mandıralı. The 45-year-old was a club legend as an attacking midfielder, famous for thunderous free-kicks. Capped 49 times, he was in charge of Turkey's Under-21 set-up before returning to Trabzonspor as Akçay's assistant in 2013. He will lead the club in their UEFA Europa League round of 32 meeting with this year's final hosts, Juventus.