Hull City have sacked manager Shota Arveladze, just hours before their Championship game against Luton Town at the MKM Stadium on Friday evening.
The Tigers return to action for the first time since the international break when they host Luton in front of the Sky Sports cameras, but owner Acun Ilicali has decided to make a change prior to the fixture. Andy Dawson is set to take charge of the side ahead of facing Nathan Jones' Luton.
A club statement read : "Hull City can confirm we have parted company with head coach Shota Arveladze. Arveladze was appointed in January and helped guide the Tigers to Championship safety and a 19th-placed finish in a season of transition at the MKM Stadium.
"We can also confirm that assistant head coach, Peter van der Veen, will leave the club with immediate effect. Andy Dawson will assume the role of interim head coach until a permanent appointment is made.
Acun Ilıcalı, Hull City chairman, said: "During the international break, we had a number of meetings with Shota to discuss the direction of the team and the future of the club. As these meetings went on, it became clear our views weren't aligned so we have made the decision to part ways.
"Shota and Peter leave with our thanks, greatest respect and fond wishes for the future. Our focus is now supporting Andy and the squad and finding the best possible candidate to drive this club forward. Everyone at the club would like to thank Shota and Peter for their efforts and wish them both well for the future."
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Indeed, Ilicali revealed that they had meetings with Arveladze during the international break, but wasted time before deciding to sack him on the eve of their game against Luton. After being one of the favourites for promotion at the start of the season, Hull are currently languishing towards the bottom of the Championship.
They currently sit 20th, having won just three of their opening 10 league games. Hull are also winless in three matches and haven't won since August 27. This is a run of form that Ilicali has deemed unacceptable, especially considering how much money they spent in the summer.
The former Rangers striker replaced Grant McCann at the Tigers back in January and won just 30 per cent of his matches in charge.
Arveladze's departure is the third Championship sacking in the past 16 days. Huddersfield manager Danny Schofield was dismissed on September 14 and was replaced by Mark Fotheringham on Wednesday. Earlier this week, Watford sacked Rob Edwards after just nine matches in charge, with Slaven Bilic quickly appointed as the former Forest Green Rovers boss' replacement.
