Crystal Palace have discharged manager Patrick Vieira after a failing to record a single win in 2023.
Palace’s latest disappointment came on Wednesday in their 1-0 Premier League defeat to Brighton, third defeat in a row and sealing their 12-match winless run.
They sit 12th in the table but are only three points above 18th-placed Bournemouth, who have a game in hand.
“It is with enormous regret that this difficult decision has been made,” Club Chairman Steve Parish said.
“Ultimately, results in recent months have placed us in a precarious league position and we felt a change is necessary to give us the best chance of retaining Premier League status.”
The Frenchman was appointed before the start of the 2021-22 season and led the Eagles to a 12th-place finish, earning praise for an attacking style.
However, this season they have scored just 21 goals in 27 games – only Wolves, Everton and bottom-of-the-table Southampton have fewer.
Three members of Vieira’s coaching staff – Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Said Aigoun – have also left the club and the process of appointing a new manager is under way.
Parish added: “Patrick’s impact since joining us in the summer of 2021 has been significant, and he is held in the highest regard by myself, and all of his colleagues.
“He led the team to a Wembley FA Cup semi-final and respectable 12th-placed finish last season playing some exciting football, which was a challenging and crucial campaign for the club given the changes we made to the squad prior to his arrival.
“Patrick has given his all to the club, and we all thank him and his team for their service.” He added.
Crystal Palace travel to leaders Arsenal, Vieira’s former club, on Sunday.