Stoke City joint-chairman John Coates has thanked Michael O'Neill for his "extreme professionalism" as the club confirmed the 53-year-old's departure.
O'Neill has been sacked after just five games of the new Championship season.
The Potters have won just once in the league and picked up four points from a possible 15, prompting the club's board to act.
Read more: Michael O'Neill sacked by Stoke City after five games of new season
O'Neill was appointed Stoke boss in November 2019 but failed to finish in the top half of the table in his three seasons in charge. He is largely credited with slashing Stoke's wage bill in recent seasons, but results have ultimately led to his exit, including last weekend's loss to Sunderland.
Joint Chairman Coates said: “Michael joined us in November 2019 when the Club was in a difficult situation and the job he did in stabilising our position in the Championship should not be underestimated.
“Michael has worked tirelessly and with extreme professionalism, in particular in reshaping our squad and developing young players, but we feel the time is right to move in a different direction. I would like to thank him for his efforts and wish him every success for the future.”
Meanwhile, Stoke confirmed that assistant manager Dean Holden will take interim charge of the first-team.
They added: "The Club has begun the process of appointing a new manager and will be making no further comment at this time."
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