Jocky Scott has been sacked as manager of Scottish First Division leaders Dundee.
A 3-0 defeat to rock-bottom Airdrie on Saturday proved to be the last straw for the club's board, who took the decision after an impromptu meeting.
Scott departs 15 months after taking the reins at Dens Park for a third time.
He has paid the price for a run of results which have brought no wins from four fixtures, trimming Dundee's lead at the top of the table to three points.
The Dark Blues also saw their Active Nations Scottish Cup dreams dashed at the quarter-final stage last week by divisional rivals Raith Rovers.
Early reports suggest Queen of the South boss Gordon Chisholm and Partick coach Ian McCall, both former Dundee players, are among the favourites for the vacant post.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Dundee Football Club announce the departure of Jocky Scott from his post as the club's manager with immediate effect.
"The unanimous decision of the board was not taken lightly, but it was felt that in view of results since the turn of the year a move was essential and in the best interests of the club.
"As a board we felt it was vital this move was made while there was still enough time for a new manager to be appointed and to secure the victories required to get the team back to the SPL at the end of the season.
"Every effort will be made to ensure the appointment of a new manager is made as quickly as possible. The club will not be advertising the post.
"The board would like to take this opportunity to thank Jocky Scott for his work since returning as manager in the autumn of 2008.
"His devotion to his duties and desire to get the team back to where he feels it belongs have been admirable."
A 3-0 defeat to rock-bottom Airdrie on Saturday proved to be the last straw for the club's board, who took the decision after an impromptu meeting.
Scott departs 15 months after taking the reins at Dens Park for a third time.
He has paid the price for a run of results which have brought no wins from four fixtures, trimming Dundee's lead at the top of the table to three points.
The Dark Blues also saw their Active Nations Scottish Cup dreams dashed at the quarter-final stage last week by divisional rivals Raith Rovers.
Early reports suggest Queen of the South boss Gordon Chisholm and Partick coach Ian McCall, both former Dundee players, are among the favourites for the vacant post.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Dundee Football Club announce the departure of Jocky Scott from his post as the club's manager with immediate effect.
"The unanimous decision of the board was not taken lightly, but it was felt that in view of results since the turn of the year a move was essential and in the best interests of the club.
"As a board we felt it was vital this move was made while there was still enough time for a new manager to be appointed and to secure the victories required to get the team back to the SPL at the end of the season.
"Every effort will be made to ensure the appointment of a new manager is made as quickly as possible. The club will not be advertising the post.
"The board would like to take this opportunity to thank Jocky Scott for his work since returning as manager in the autumn of 2008.
"His devotion to his duties and desire to get the team back to where he feels it belongs have been admirable."
