Mark Kerr has been relieved of his duties at Ayr United this afternoon with the club sitting ninth in the Championship.
A form slump of one win in 10 games has forced the Somerset Park board to act, with new club owner David Smith confirming Kerr and his assistant Mick McArdle had left by "mutual consent".
Kerr, a former player at Ayr, had been handed the reins in October 2019 following the departure of Ian McCall to Partick Thistle.
But he managed only 10 wins from 34 league games, leading to heightened pressure in recent weeks as United fell down the table.
Chairman Smith said: "I’ve spoken with Mark Kerr and Mick McArdle today following a board meeting this morning and would confirm they have left the club by mutual agreement.
"I’d like to put on record, our thanks for all their hard work over the last two seasons and I personally wish them both well in whatever they do next.
"This is firmly not how I pictured my first six weeks in the role, but I’m very grateful to Alan Murray and Willie Houston, who have over 25 years board experience at Ayr United and collectively, we’re confident we will get the next steps right for our club."
First-team coaches Davie White and Derek Stillie are set to take the team for Saturday's trip to Morton.
Smith confirmed that "potential candidates" have already been identified but applications are being welcomed by emailing applications@ayrunitedfc.co.uk no later than 5pm on Monday, March 8.
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