Chesterfield's upcoming opponents Barnet depart company with manager Tim Flowers

The 54-year-old was in charge for just three months after being appointed in December.

The Bees have brought back their former boss, Paul Fairclough, on an interim basis.

Barnet are currently 23rd in the National League, however there is no relegation this season after the National League North and National League South campaigns were curtailed.

The Spireites, who hit the Bees for six earlier in the season, travel to The Hive on Saturday.

In a club statement Barnet said: “Despite the hope for a change of fortunes after Tim’s arrival and the best efforts of his coaching team both on and off the pitch, the team has continued to struggle. As a result, both parties felt it best for a change in the dugout.”

On his departure, Flowers said: “It just got to a point where I couldn’t get any more out of the team.

"There are a decent amount of games left to play and certainly enough to get out of the bottom of the table and I believe things will turn but it might just need a different voice in the dressing room.

“Recruitment was always going to be key and I was supported by the chairman with the nine players I brought in. Timing was the main factor and the loan market is tough as players need time to get match fit, which is always hard during the middle of the season.

"Ultimately, we brought in some players who tried hard but it just hasn’t happened. Personally, I’d like to wish everyone at the club and all the fans my very best for the future.”

And Barnet chairman, Tony Kleanthous, said: “I would like to place on record my thanks to Tim for all of his efforts for our football club and wish him and his staff the very best of luck for their future endeavours. Ultimately, on this occasion, it just hasn’t worked out, which is disappointing because of the high regard in which I hold Tim.”

Flowers’ departure came hours after his former club Solihull Moors announced that boss Jimmy Shan had left the club.