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Wayne Rooney has been sacked by Plymouth Argyle just seven months into his reign as manager.
The former Manchester United striker took over as the Pilgrims’ boss during the summer but has suffered several defeats which left the bottom of the Championship.
Plymouth are without a win since beating Portsmouth on November 5 – a run which stretches back nine matches.
A 4-0 defeat at Coventry on Boxing Day was followed up with a 2-0 loss at Oxford on Sunday, leaving the club on 18 points from 23 games and four points from safety.
The departing Rooney said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, in particular Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip who I shared great relationships with.
“Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as Head Coach and I wish them all the best for the future.
“To the Green Army thanks for making the games at Home Park so special, they are memories that we will share forever.
“I would also like to give a special mention to my coaching staff Kevin Nancekivell, Simon Ireland, Darryl Flahavan and Mike Phelan for their knowledge, dedication, help, and support.
“Plymouth Argyle will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to look out for and take interest in their results.”
A club statement read: “Plymouth Argyle can confirm that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways with immediate effect.
“Departing the club with Rooney will be Assistant Head Coach Mike Phelan and first team coach Simon Ireland.
“We would like to thank Wayne and his team for all their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
The club confirmed that first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell and Club Captain Joe Edwards will take charge of the team for the Championship clash with Bristol City on New Year’s Day.
Rooney was dismissed just seven months into his three-year contract.
In separate news, Rooney took to social media on Monday to dismiss speculation that he had invited a woman to his apartment.
He wrote: “I am aware of a video circulating online,” he said on his story on Monday evening.
“The videos shows a man and woman looking around my apartment. The couple kindly gave me a lift home and were in there at the same time as my son who was visiting.
“Footage is from last summer. It is annoying that at least one online newspaper has chosen to edit the footage to make it appear as though a woman entered the apartment on her own.
“That is simply not true.”