Kilmarnock sack Angelo Alessio after six months in charge
Alex Dyer to take charge of first team on interim basis
Tuesday 17 December 2019 16:08, UK
Kilmarnock have sacked Angelo Alessio after just six months in charge of the club.
The Italian replaced Steve Clarke in the summer but Sky Sports News understands his relationship with the first-team squad had broken down, prompting the board to remove him as manager.
Kilmarnock have failed to win any of their last four matches in the league and defeat to Ross County on Saturday was Alessio's final game in the dugout.
A club statement read: "Kilmarnock can today announce that Angelo Alessio has been relieved of his position as manager.
"Everyone at the club would like to thank Angelo for his efforts during his time with Kilmarnock and we wish him every success for the future.
"Alex Dyer will take charge of first-team duties on an interim basis.
"We will provide a further update for supporters in due course."
The appointment of Alessio - the former Juventus and Chelsea assistant manager - was questioned earlier in the season after a Europa League exit to Welsh side Connah's Quay Nomads, as well as defeats to Rangers and Hamilton in his opening two league matches.
However, in their next 10 games, Kilmarnock only lost to Celtic and kept eight clean sheets in the process, form which saw Alessio win the Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month award for October.
'Alessio methods didn't resonate with Kilmarnock players'
Analysis from Sky Sports News reporter Charles Paterson...
Sky Sports News has learnt Angelo Alessio's departure was purely a board decision, with the Kilmarnock hierarchy feeling they needed to make a swift change due to the continued deterioration of first-team affairs.
It is understood there were concerns within the squad Alessio's methods and philosophy were not resonating with the players, while one source described "respect" as being an issue.
It is unclear if interim manager Alex Dyer would be interested in the role long-term given he rejected the notion of succeeding Steve Clarke in the summer. But if results pick up, it is believed the club would be happy for him to continue to run first-team affairs for some time, perhaps even until the end of the season.
Kilmarnock recently appointed former midfielder James Fowler as the club's new head of football operations, with responsibility for scouting and recruitment.
Fowler will work alongside Dyer as Kilmarnock plan for the January transfer window, as the club prioritise maintaining their top-six position and avoiding being dragged into a relegation battle.
