Dundee are looking for their fourth manager in just over two years after sacking Jim McIntyre.
After the failures of Neil McCann and Paul Hartley, the hope was that McIntyre fitted the criteria set out by managing director John Nelms when he got the job last October.
However, the Dark Blues were relegated nine days ago at home to Hamilton Accies and only just halted a 10-match losing run at Livingston on Saturday.
Nelms returned from a trip to the United States after meeting owner Tim Keyes and the announcement was made yesterday lunchtime, less than a day after McIntyre had publicly stated his desire to lead the team in the Championship next season.
He is now manager no more and was joined through the exit door by assistant Jimmy Boyle.
In a matter-of-fact statement, the Dark Blues said: “Dundee Football Club can confirm that Jim McIntyre and Jimmy Boyle have left the club with immediate effect.
“Jim came to the club in October last year and shortly after Jimmy was appointed as his assistant manager.
“The management team oversaw 31 matches in charge, with three victories, seven draws and 20 defeats.
“Relegation from the Ladbrokes Premiership was confirmed last weekend with a loss to Hamilton Accies at the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park.
“We would like to thank Jim and Jimmy for their efforts while in charge and wish them all the best for the future.”
Youth coach James McPake is understood to be taking the team for the final Premiership fixture of the season at home to St Mirren on Saturday and he is among the early names being suggested as possible successors to McIntyre.
Others include Ayr United boss Ian McCall, Alloa manager Jim Goodwin and Dundee striker Kenny Miller, who scored the winner at the Tony Macaroni Arena on Saturday.
Talking after the 1-0 victory over Livi, Miller had called for McIntyre’s future to be clarified so the club could start dealing with relegation.
The 39-year-old former Scotland international, who became the club’s oldest ever scorer with the only goal of the game at Livi, said: “I am sure it will be sorted out.
“When you go through this (kind of) run of games the buck always stops with the manager. It is as simple as that.
“That is the nature of the business we are in.
“So if you lose 10 games in a row then obviously questions will be asked.
“But I am sure the manager will stand here and tell you that he is the man to help the club bounce back.
“So, again, that is something that the club will sort out.
“It needs to be addressed – there is no doubt about it.”
He added: “For me, when you are on these kind of runs of games, managers know it is always going to stop with them.
“Players need to take responsibility as well because we’ve not done the job well.
“And it’s not (solely) about a manager or players. For me, it should all be together. Everybody has played their part in this poor, poor season.”
