Blackburn Rovers have sacked manager Sam Allardyce as part of “wider plans”.
There had been speculation that Allardyce was on borrowed time following the takeover of The Venky’s Group last month.
And the club confirmed on Monday that the 56-year-old, whose side was beaten by former club Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, had been relieved of his duties at Ewood Park.
A statement on Rovers’official website: “The Venky's Group, owners of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, has today confirmed the departure of manager Sam Allardyce and assistant manager Neil McDonald with immediate effect.
“First-team coaching duties will be taken on by Steve Kean (currently first-team coach) for the immediate future.
“We have taken this decision as part of our wider plans and ambitions for the club.
“We would like to put on record our thanks to Mr Allardyce for his contribution to Blackburn Rovers Football Club.”
A stunned Allardyce told Sky Sports News: “It hasn't really been explained to me and I'm really confused in my own mind at the moment.
“But the reality will kick in in a couple of days. For now it's just about me thanking everybody at Blackburn Rovers.
“I've had a fantastic two years there. I've really enjoyed my time with everybody and how well we did with the circumstances (under which) I took over and how we've helped the club going forward.
“Unfortunately it is no more. It's up to them now whether they take the club forward. I'm not a part of it and I'm very disappointed about that. But the club did need to be sold.”