Sunderland have sacked manager Phil Parkinson after 13 months in charge.
Parkinson's assistant Steve Parkin has also left the club, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking temporary charge for Tuesday night's League One game against struggling Burton Albion at the Stadium of Light.
A statement issued by the club confirmed that they have 'parted company' with Parkinson and Parkin, and said the club 'would like to place on record its thanks to both Phil and Steve for their efforts during their time at SAFC'.
The statement also said that the board will now begin the search for a new manager, and there would be no further comment until that process is complete.
Parkinson was appointed in October last year but has been under pressure for some time, with criticism of the manager and his methods ramping up significantly over the last month as the club has struggled for results.
A run of just two wins in seven league games has seen the Black Cats slip off the promotion pace and Parkinson departs with the club sitting eighth in the table, five points from the automatic promotion spots but with a game in hand of second-placed Peterborough United.
Friday night's draw at Fleetwood proved to be the final straw, prompting owner Stewart Donald to act.
