Brighton & Hove Albion have sacked Chris Hughton.
Hughton led the Seagulls to the Premier League in 2017 and has kept them in the division for two consecutive seasons.
Yet their form waned this season, and they finished 17th in the table - one place and just two points above the drop zone as Cardiff City, Fulham and Huddersfield Town were all relegated.
Chairman Tony Bloom said to Brighton's website: “Chris has done an excellent job over the past four and a half years. First stabilising our club, reaching the play-offs in his first full season, securing our first ever promotion to the Premier League, and retaining our status in two successive seasons.
“Undoubtedly, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, but ultimately one I have made due to how we struggled in the second half of the season.
“Our run of 3 wins from 23 Premier League matches put our status at significant risk. It is with that in mind, and the performances during that period, that I now feel it’s the right time for a change.
“Chris will always be very fondly remembered by Albion staff and fans as one of our club’s finest and most-respected managers.
“I would like to wish Chris, Paul and Paul – who have all worked extremely hard throughout their time here – every success for the future, and thank them on behalf of everyone at the club.
“They will always be welcome at the Amex, and will be remembered here with great affection.”
So who will replace Hughton? The Sack Race believes Swansea boss Graham Potter is currently heavy favourite, although former Manchester United stars Phil Neville and Laurent Blanc are also linked.
Odds in full:
Graham Potter - 1/8
Phil Neville - 6/1
Michael O'Neill - 14/1
David Wagner - 14/1
Laurent Blanc - 20/1
Bruno Gensio - 20/1
David Moyes - 20/1
Alex Neil - 20/1
Gary Rowett - 20/1
Sean Dyche - 25/1
Sam Allardyce - 33/1
Alan Pardew - 33/1
Marco Rose - 33/1
Andre Villas Boas - 33/1
