Leicester City have sacked manager Craig Shakespeare after just four months in charge, the club have confirmed.
Shakespeare - who took on the manager’s role on a temporary basis after Premier League title-winning manager Claudio Ranieri was sacked in February - was given the job on a permanent basis four months ago, signing a three-year-deal.
However, with the Foxes without a win in their last six league games and three points from the foot of the table in 18th, the club have confirmed his departure.
Leicester’s vice chairman, Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, said in a statement: “Craig has been a great servant to Leicester City – during his spells as an assistant manager and since taking over as manager in challenging circumstances in February.
"His dedication to the club and to his work has been absolute and the contribution he made to the most successful period in Leicester City history is considerable.
“However, our early promise under Craig’s management has not been consistently evident in the months since and the board feels that, regrettably, a change is necessary to keep the club moving forward – consistent with the long-term expectations of our supporters, board and owners.
“Craig is and will remain a very popular, respected figure at Leicester City and will be welcome back at King Power Stadium in future, both professionally and as a friend of the club.”
Former Oxford United boss Michael Appleton, who was appointed as Shakespeare’s assistant in June, will take charge of their Premier League clash with Swansea on Saturday.
