Southend United have confirmed that manager Paul Sturrock is to leave the club with immediate effect.
The 56-year-old has been relieved of his duties following a run of results that has seen the Shrimpers win just one of their last six outings.
As a result, they have dropped down to ninth in the League Two standings.
"The decision I have had to make today was a very hard call but one I instinctively know is correct and in the best interests of Southend United Football Club," chairman Ron Martin said in a statement.
"Paul Sturrock's three-year contract comes to an end this season and the club will not be renewing Paul's contract. Paul's first year was difficult but the last two seasons he has had a free hand to achieve the clear objective of getting the club out of this league.
"No matter how much I personally wrestle with the positive arguments (Paul is experienced, a nice man, honest and likeable) my responsibility is to bring success and growth to your Club.
"If the club were to appoint a different manager during the close season, the new man would have no opportunity to assess the ability of the current squad of players in, and crucially, a competitive environment.
"That would mean that we would start next season with uncertainty, inevitable changes and a loss of continuity as he got to grips with each players ability (strengths/weaknesses), the individual characteristics and how those temperaments mould within the squad as a whole."
Despite his dismissal, Martin has told Sturrock that he can manage the team during the Football League Trophy final against Crewe Alexandra at Wembley Stadium next month.
Liam Apicella
