Newcastle United Football Club has sacked Sir Bobby Robson, the oldest manager in the English Premier League.
"After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, the directors of Newcastle United have informed Sir Bobby Robson that they have decided he is to be replaced as team manager," the club said in a statement.
"The directors of Newcastle wish to place on record their thanks for the way in which Sir Bobby has worked tirelessly over the past five years to try to bring success to the club," the statement continued.
"There is no hesitation by the club in recording its sincere appreciation for the way in which Sir Bobby has handled team affairs during that five-year spell, which has seen a significant turnaround in the club's fortunes.
"The club continues to have the greatest respect and admiration for Sir Bobby and his lifelong achievements both at home, abroad, and particularly at the club he has supported since a boy, his beloved Newcastle."
The veteran manager's troubled start to the season continued with a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday, leaving Newcastle in a dismal sixteenth place with only two points from two draws in their opening four matches.
Robson, 71, took charge of the biggest club in his native northeast of England five years ago after spells with Ipswich Town, PSV Eindhoven, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona. Robson also managed the English national football team for eight years from 1982.