Hull City have taken the bizarre step of sacking manager Shota Alveradze just hours before their first game back after the international break.
Arveladze took the Hull job back in January and steered them to Championship safety and they enjoyed a promising start to this season with two wins and two draws in their first four games - including a win over Norwich and a draw away at Burnley. Since then, though, things have gone off the rails with five defeats in six games which have seen them ship an incredible 18 goals.
The former Rangers and Georgia striker was under serious pressure but with no announcement made on his future before or during the international break, it had seemed like he would be given the chance to get things back on track against Luton Town tonight. But bizarrely, just eight hours out from kick-off, the club have released a statement announcing he has been relieved of his duties.
City chairman Acun Ilicali said this comes after a "number of meetings" during the break that raised concerns over their respective visions for the club. He said: "During the international break, we had a number of meetings with Shota to discuss the direction of the team and the future of the club. As these meetings went on, it became clear our views weren't aligned so we have made the decision to part ways.
"Shota and Peter (van der Veen) leave with our thanks, greatest respect and fond wishes for the future. Our focus is now supporting Andy and the squad and finding the best possible candidate to drive this club forward."
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