Southampton have sacked manager Alan Pardew - just two days after the team's 4-0 win at Bristol Rovers.
The 49-year-old led Saints to the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in March with a 4-1 win over Carlisle at Wembley and they started the season as firm favourites to achieve promotion to the Championship, although one win in their first three matches leaves them 14th in the table.
"Following a review of the current status in and around the first team, the club has decided that, to achieve its well known targets, it is essential to make changes to the first team management and coaching," read a statement from the npower League One club.
"These targets for sustained and significant progress embrace both the first team and the football development and support centre as integrated, co-operative units.
"Consequently, the first team manager Alan Pardew, first team coach Wally Downes and goalkeeping coach Stuart Murdoch have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect. We wish them well for the future.
"While we have commenced our careful evaluation of our candidates and longer term requirements, Dean Wilkins has taken on the caretaker role for the first team and he will be assisted by Martin Hunter, the under-21 coach.
"We recognise that frequent changes to the football management are unlikely to assist in the winning of trophies and promotions.
"However, we are taking these steps to achieve our aims, which we share with all supporters, to get promoted this season, and secure long term stability and progress for our football operations."
Source: PA
