Sheffield United have sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom following their 5-0 defeat to relegation rivals Burnley on Saturday.
Heckingbottom's future had come under intense scrutiny in the immediate aftermath of the heavy loss at Turf Moor, which came against a Burnley side that went into the match sitting bottom of the table and without a home league win all season.
The defeat, coupled with Everton's win over Nottingham Forest later in the day, left the Blades rock-bottom of the Premier League with just five points from their 14 matches.
The club has now confirmed that Heckingbottom has been relieved of his duties, ending his two-year reign at Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United are expected to re-appoint former manager Chris Wilder as Heckingbottom's replacement, and confirmed in their statement that they hope to have the new man in place before Wednesday's match against Liverpool.
"Firstly, on behalf of the board of directors, I'd like to thank Paul for all of his efforts at Sheffield United, firstly as U23s manager before stepping up to take control of first-team duties," read a statement from Sheffield United CEO Stephen Bettis.
"His professionalism and dedication have been a credit to the club and I'm sure all Unitedites enjoyed the promotion-winning campaign.
"However, after slipping to the bottom of the table and a number of disappointing results and performances, it is felt that a change is needed to give the club a boost and every possible chance of remaining in the Premier League beyond this season."
Heckingbottom's assistant coaches Stuart McCall and Mark Hudson have also left the club with immediate effect.
The former Barnsley, Leeds United and Hibernian boss won exactly half of his matches in charge of the Blades, picking up 49 victories, 18 draws and 31 defeats in 98 games.
Sheffield United earned promotion to the Premier League under Heckingbottom last season, but have since won just one league game all term, losing 11.
Among the more notable defeats this season have been an 8-0 loss at home to Newcastle United and 5-0 hammerings at the hands of Arsenal and Burnley, while they were also knocked out of the EFL Cup by Lincoln City.
More to follow.
