Oxford United have become the seventh Championship club to part ways with their manager this season after Gary Rowett was sacked.
The former Leicester City right-back spent just over a year at the Kassam Stadium, but despite steering the club to survival last season, the U’s find themselves inside the relegation zone heading into Christmas.
Oxford chairman Grant Ferguson said: “Gary joined during a challenging period and deserves immense credit for the hard work and leadership that saw us retain our Championship status last season.
“However, following a disappointing run of results, we have had to take this difficult decision in the best interests of the club.”
Oxford have managed just one victory from their last 10 outings and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Charlton at the weekend. They currently sit 22nd in the table, two points adrift of safety.
Oxford follow Sheffield United, Watford, Southampton, Norwich, Swansea and Middlesbrough in making a managerial change during the current campaign.
One of those recently dismissed managers now tops the bookmakers’ odds to replace Rowett, with Liam Manning – who departed Norwich after City’s 2-1 win at Carrow Road – emerging as the early frontrunner.
Oxford have confirmed they are searching for a new head coach, with Craig Short stepping in as interim boss for now, beginning with their Boxing Day clash against Southampton.
City are next set to face Oxford at the end of January when they travel to the King Power Stadium. The sides’ opening meeting of the season ended in a 2-2 draw, with City battling back to secure a point despite Aaron Ramsey’s red card.