Sheffield United and manager Micky Adams have parted ways.
The Yorkshire club will start next season in League One after their relegation, the Blades having won just four of the 24 games for which former Coventry and Port Vales boss Adams was in charge.
Sheffield United fan Adams’ assistant Alan Cork has also been relieved of his duties after the former held talks with club chairman Kevin McCabe on Tuesday afternoon.
"It is always difficult when managers leave because usually it occurs when a team has been in trouble, but this decision has been made as amicably as possible between us all," said McCabe.
"Micky is an honourable, hard-working and honest man who has had difficult circumstances to deal with from the moment he came in. The task was a big one and no-one, least of all myself, can criticise the effort he and Alan put in to turn around what was already an awkward season for us.
“He made it clear that he wanted the chance to lead us next season but the fact remains that we have been relegated. There will have to be changes in player personnel in the summer, young players will have to be given their opportunities at the right time, and prudent recruitment implemented for what will be a really tough division to get out of.
"With that in mind I feel that in order to give ourselves the best opportunity we should make a clean sweep at the top and start afresh next season."
Adams himself, who replaced Gary Speed when he left Bramall Lane to take charge of the Welsh national team, said on the news: "Obviously I am very, very disappointed with the decision but I still wish Sheffield United all the best.
“I am a Blade and will always be a Blade so I am just sorry that my move here has not worked out.
"I pass on my thanks to the fans and would still like to think that they regard me as one of them. To carry the support of so many of them in some pretty dark days was very much appreciated.
"But most of all I wish the McCabes well because if anyone deserves success it is Kevin and his family."