Lee Johnson has been sacked in the aftermath of Bristol City's 1-0 loss to Cardiff City.
The Robins realistically needed to secure all three points against the Bluebirds to keep their faint play-off hopes alive.
But Danny Ward's late strike saw Neil Harris' men claim all three points at Ashton Gate, a result that leaves Cardiff three points clear of seventh-placed Derby while Bristol City are now nine points off the top six with five matches remaining.
And it has been confirmed that Johnson has been axed by the Ashton Gate club.
A club statement read: "Lee Johnson was this evening relieved of his role as Bristol City head coach.
"Current assistant head coach Dean Holden will take over immediately in a caretaker capacity as the club look to appoint a successor."
Bristol City chief executive Mark Ashton said: “We recognise the huge amount of work that Lee has put in over the last four-and-a-half years to move this club forward and we thank him for all his efforts. There have been some special moments over those years and Lee has played a significant part in them.
“However, success in football is ultimately judged by results and league position and the Board believes that a change of management is needed now for Bristol City.”
