Sunderland have sacked manager Jack Ross after less than 18 months in charge.
The former St Mirren boss was appointed in May 2018 after leading the Buddies from the threat of relegation to the Championship title.
But failure to win promotion from the English League One last term followed by a stuttering start to the new campaign has resulted in Ross paying the price.
Sunderland currently sit sixth in the third tier with just two wins in their last five matches and a 2-0 weekend defeat to Lincoln City has proven the final straw for the club's board.
With the side already eight points adrift of early leaders Ipswich Town, but only four off the automatic promotion place, Black Cats chief executive Stuart Donald has taken ruthless action.
He said: "This is a decision that has been made with a heavy heart. When we arrived at the club 18 months ago, we appointed Jack because we felt that he was the right man to take Sunderland forward over a number of years.
“Jack has worked extremely hard, and has helped us achieve stability at the club, and I sincerely thank him for his efforts. I hope and believe that he will go on to have a successful career in management.”
Assistant James Fowler will take interim charge while the club search for Ross' replacement.
He led Sunderland to the League One play-off final last term but lost out to Charlton at Wembley.
That followed disappointment in the EFL Trophy final - Ross' side were beaten on penalties by Portsmouth - and ensured they finished the campaign empty-handed.
