Southampton manager Paul Sturrock has left the club by mutual agreement.
Sturrock, who was appointed less than five-and-a-half months ago, leaves St Mary’s after just 13 matches in charge.
Coach Steve Wigley will replace Sturrock until a permanent replacement is found.
Former manager Glenn Hoddle, who was set to return to the club last season until fan protests forced the club to have a rethink, will not be considered for the post this time around.
In a statement, Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe blamed negative press reports for Sturrock’s departure.
“Management in the Premier League is highly pressured,” said Lowe.
“When this pressure is compounded by a constant stream of negative and unfair media coverage, which has taken on a life of it’s own recently, the position becomes untenable.
“Those people responsible for perpetrating this unsatisfactory situation, often in return for financial reward, should take a long hard look at themselves.”
