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Manchester City have sacked manager Stuart Pearce within 24 hours after the Premier League season ended.

Pearce’s contract at the City of Manchester Stadium has been terminated with immediate effect after two years in charge.

Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh told the club’s website: “The board of directors would like to thank Stuart for his hard work and service.”

The former England international replaced Kevin Keegan as City manager but his side struggled to 14th in the Premiership this season and there has been speculation about Pearce’s future for a number of months.

After City’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham on the final day of the season, Pearce admitted his future at the club was in jeopardyy amid talk of a potential Thai-based takeover.

Asked whether a takeover could cost him his job, Pearce said: “Whether it is me or not is out of my hands.

“I hope it’s me, I’ve done a reasonable job but I know our shortcomings and plan to address them this summer.

“If it isn’t me, I’ll move on and manage elsewhere and prove myself elsewhere.”

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