Barnsley have sacked manager Danny Wilson following Tuesday's 2-1 home defeat to Fleetwood.
Wilson, who was appointed into the Oakwell hotseat for a second time in December 2013, presided over relegation from the Sky Bet Championship last season after inheriting a team in the bottom three and has been unable to mount a promotion challenge this term.
The 55-year-old, who has also managed Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United, leaves Oakwell, along with assistant manager Chris Hutchings, with the Reds in mid-table, seven points off the play-off places and seven points off the relegation zone.
A club statement read: "Barnsley Football Club has today terminated the employment of manager Danny Wilson and assistant manager Chris Hutchings with immediate effect.
"Head of academy coaching, Mark Burton, will take charge on a caretaker-basis alongside senior development coach, Paul Heckingbottom, for Saturday's match at Crawley.
"The club would like to place on record its thanks for Danny's work ethic and determination during his time with the club and the support Chris provided Danny with since he joined the club in March 2014.
"Danny joined the club at a very difficult time which was a testament to his character and affection for the club - all the while demonstrating the utmost professionalism during his time with the club. Danny will always be welcome back at Oakwell.
"The success he brought during his initial period with the club is unrivalled and the Club will be forever grateful for his achievements.
"However, recent performances and results have been concerning, considering the club currently boasts the fifth highest wage bill in League One in addition to a fourth highest equity donation by our owner.
"Meanwhile, our current league position of 17th is in stark contrast to an average home gate of sixth-best in the division.
"Whilst the club acknowledges there has been a large turnover of players, the league position is still unacceptable considering all of the above.
"The club can assure fans that a suitable candidate will be selected and in place at the earliest opportunity.
"While media speculation will be constant during the search, the club will aim to select the correct candidate in private and will make a further announcement as and when it is appropriate."
Tuesday's defeat to Fleetwood was the tipping point for Wilson, with fans reacting angrily to the manner of the loss.
His second spell was in stark contrast to his first, which came between 1994-1998, where he led the South Yorkshire outfit to a memorable promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history in 1997.
Barnsley beat Liverpool and Tottenham in that campaign, as well as seeing off Manchester United in the FA Cup, but were unable to avoid relegation, with Wilson leaving to join Sheffield Wednesday in the summer of 1998.
Source: PA
