Chris Wilder has been sacked by Middlesbrough following their 1-0 Championship defeat to Coventry City.
Boro currently sit inside the relegation zone after losing five of their opening eleven matches - despite being among the favourites to reach the play-offs this season.
Wilder’s struggle comes as a surprise after his arrival last November saw clear improvement, with the side finishing in seventh place last time out.
A statement read by Middlesbrough FC said: “Middlesbrough Football Club have terminated the contract of manager Chris Wilder with immediate effect.
“Leo Percovich will take over first team affairs in the interim basis, assisted by Craig Liddle, Mark Tinkler and Lee Cattermole.
“The club would like to place on record its thanks to Chris and his staff for all their hard work over the past 11 months.”
Meanwhile, the club will continue to search for Wilder’s replacement anad there has already been a host of names linked with the vacant role.
Here are the current favourites to become the next Middlesbrough manager (from, according to the bookies...
1. Mark Bonner - 25/1
Bonner has been Cambridge United boss since 2020, winning promotion to League One in his first full season. | Getty Images
2. Liam Rosenior - 25/1
The 38-year-old was part of Derby County’s coaching staff since 2019 before he was appointed interim manager in June. Rosenior was relieved of his duties last month. | Getty Images
3. Graeme Jones - 25/1
Jones spent almost a year in charge of Luton Town before he was sacked as they sat in the relegation zone. He then returned to assistant coaching with Newcastle Utd. | Getty Images
4. Aitor Karanka - 25/1
The Spaniard has been linked with a return to Middlesbrough, taking them to the Championship play-off final and the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. | Getty Images