Stuart Gray has been sacked as manager of Southampton, the English premier league club said in a statement today.
Chairman Rupert Lowe announced that Gray and assistant Mick Wadsworth would both be leaving the club, with former Coventry City manager Gordon Strachan set to be installed as new manager.
Gray only started the job in July when he was a surprise choice to succeed Glenn Hoddle, who moved to Tottenham Hotspur. Gray had previously been Hoddle's assistant.
However, under his leadership Southampton have had a poor start to the season. They are currently second-last in the league with just six points from eight games and have yet to record a win at their new St Mary's Stadium.
Yesterday they lost 2-0 at fellow-strugglers West Ham United, their sixth defeat of the season.
Announcing the decision Lowe said: "This is about the future of Southampton Football Club and its fans.
"We believe the club is in need of a fresh approach to bring some self-belief and cohesion to the squad to produce the results a club of this size expects.
"Stuart did a good job at the end of last season and we appointed him on the basis that the progress would continue.
"Regrettably, it has not been the case and with sadness the Board decided that the time was right to seek new direction."
"In that respect, we are in discussion with Gordon Strachan and hope to have his appointment confirmed in time for him to take training tomorrow morning."
"We wish Stuart and Mick every good fortune in their continued careers where they have much to offer."
Southampton will hold a press conference at their ground on Monday afternoon to give further details on the developments. -Reuters