Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Birmingham City after just 83 days in charge.
The former England captain was hired by the Blues in October after they axed John Eustace, despite being sixth in the Championship.
Rooney has endured a miserable time at Birmingham and Monday’s 3-0 loss to Leeds made it nine defeats in 15 games.
He was sacked on Tuesday morning as Birmingham are 20th in the table and just six points above the relegation places.
“I would like to thank Tom Wagner, Tom Brady and Garry Cook for the opportunity to manage Birmingham City FC and the support they all gave me during my short period with the club,” Rooney said in a statement.
“Football is a results business – and I recognise they have not been at the level I wanted them to be. However, time is the most precious commodity a manager requires and I do not believe 13 weeks was sufficient to oversee the changes that were needed.
“Personally, it will take me some time to get over this setback. I have been involved in professional football, as either a player or manager, since I was 16.
“Now, I plan to take some time with my family as I prepare for the next opportunity in my journey as a manager.
“Finally, I wish Birmingham City FC and its owners my best wishes in the pursuit of their ambitions.”
First-team coach Carl Robinson has also left Birmingham and professional development coach, Steve Spooner, will take charge on an interim basis.
The Blues have begun searching for a successor to Rooney and are next in action when they face Hull in the FA Cup third-round on Saturday.
Chief executive officer, Garry Cook, said: “We are committed to doing what is necessary to bring success to St. Andrew’s. Unfortunately, Wayne’s time with us did not go as planned and we have decided to move in a different direction.
“The search for a successor begins with immediate effect and we will update supporters when we have further news.”
