Allan Johnston has left Queen of the South by mutual consent following a horror run of results.
The Doonhamers are four points adrift at the bottom of the Championship and seven points from safety after a measly four wins in 24 league games.
Club captain Wullie Gibson has been placed in temporary charge.
Johnston and his assistant Sandy Clark were confirmed to have parted company with the club on Sunday morning less than 24 hours after the 2-1 defeat at Morton.
Chairman Billy Hewitson said: “It’s sad but we are in a results business and four wins in 24 isn’t good enough.
“The players were giving everything for them but we felt it was time for a change to try to push us up the table.
“We would like to thank both Allan and Sandy for their efforts.”
It is Johnston’s second stint at Palmerston and from 104 games he had a record of 30 wins, 26 draws and 48 defeats giving a win percentage of 28.
Johnston admitted: “It’s disappointing. Queens are a great club and I have enjoyed my time with them as a player and a manager.
“We all want them to be successful and I wish them well and hope that they have a strong end to the season and stay in the Championship.”
On twitter Wullie Gibson posted a statement to ask the supporters to back himself and the team.
He said: “It’s a great honour to be asked to take Queen of the South forward for the time being.
“I will give everything I have to try and turn things around.
“It’s impossible to reply to everyone’s messages but trust me when I say your messages and support mean a lot to me.”
