Wednesday 19 October 2016 18:23, UK
Rotherham have sacked manager Alan Stubbs in the wake of a sixth straight Championship defeat on Tuesday night.
Stubbs left Hibernian at the end of last season to succeed Neil Warnock at the New York Stadium but leaves after just 14 games and one win.
That came against Brentford back on August 20, and a run of just two points from 27 since then has left Rotherham five points adrift at the bottom of the Championship.
Tuesday's 4-2 defeat at Birmingham proved the final straw, and a club statement read: "Rotherham United have parted company with first team manager Alan Stubbs, assistant manager John Doolan and first team coach Andy Holden with immediate effect.
"Following a board meeting this morning it was felt that a change of first team management was needed to give the club the best possible opportunity to preserve our Championship status.
"The club would like to place on record our thanks to Alan, John and Andy for their effort and professionalism, and we wish them well for the future.
"The board have now started the process of appointing a new first team manager."
The statement did not say who would be in charge for Rotherham's next game, at home to Reading on Saturday.
Kevin Blackwell has emerged as one of the favourites to replace Stubbs as manager.
Blackwell worked alongside Warnock last season at the New York Stadium, guiding them out of the relegation zone to 21st place, including an 11-game unbeaten run.
Earlier this month Blackwell continued his long-standing partnership with Warnock at Cardiff City as assistant manager. Having managed Leeds, Luton, Sheffield United and Bury, Blackwell is keen to return to management.
