Derby County have parted company with manager Jim Smith.
Assistant boss Colin Todd will take over. His first game in charge will be the Worthington Cup second-round tie with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday.
The club have endured a miserable start to the new season, winning just once in seven league games.
"This is a really sad day for me," said Smith, who took over as Derby manager in the summer of 1995. "I appreciated the chairman offering me the position of director of football, but felt I had more to offer the club.
"I sincerely wish the club and the players every success this season and in the future".
Derby chairman Lionel Pickering told the club's official website: "We wanted to continue to use Jim's vast experience in football for the benefit of Derby County.
"He thought carefully about the new role but decided it would be better to leave. We respect that decision and wish him well".
PA