Gillingham have sacked manager Martin Allen after just 11 games of the Sky Bet League One season.
Allen guided the Kent club to promotion as champions last term and Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Shrewsbury, which followed back-to-back wins, left them 17th with nine points.
But it was not good enough for Gills chairman Paul Scally, who has axed the 48-year-old former Brentford and Notts County chief after 16 months in charge.
Scally told the club website: "It is always a hugely difficult time when a managerial change occurs and this moment is no exception.
"Whilst the decision taken was made unanimously by the board, it was an exceptionally difficult one, but one which after long deliberation was felt absolutely necessary.
"I would like to wish Martin every success in his future career, I have no doubt he will be back managing very shortly and I have very much enjoyed the experience of working with him, on both a business and personal level over the past 16 months."
Source: PA
