St Johnstone have sacked manager Steven MacLean following a dismal run of form.
The Perth club are still without a win in the Scottish Premiership this season and are rooted to the bottom of the table.
Club legend MacLean took over at Saints on an interim basis at the tail end of last season after Callum Davidson was sacked with the club facing the drop.
After keeping the club in the division, the 2014 cup winner was rewarded with the job on a permanent basis.
But MacLean has now been relieved of his duties alongside fellow club legend Liam Craig.
The McDiarmid Park outfit have confirmed that Alex Cleland is now in charge as the team prepares for Kilmarnock on Wednesday evening.
A statement read: "St Johnstone Football Club can announce that it has parted company with Steven MacLean and Liam Craig.
"In the interim, Alex Cleland will assume responsibilities for First Team matters."
Saints chief executive Stan Harris opened up on the decision, adding to the Courier: “This was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make.
“Steven and Liam are club legends and I regard both of them as friends.
“I watched and admired them over the years as players and the professionalism and dedication they have brought to their roles in coaching a management has also been exemplary.
“Nobody wants to be in a position where they have to make a decision like this.
“But the results weren’t forthcoming and the club always has to come first.”
