Mark Hughes has left his post as manager of Southampton, the club have confirmed.
Hughes had been in charge at St Mary’s Stadium since March, when he took over with the south-coast club lying one point above the relegation zone after one win in 17 matches
The 55-year-old former Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City manager successfully fulfilled the task of preserving Saints’ top-flight status, by securing two wins from their last four matches.
However, Saints have struggled for form this season. Despite earning a 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Saturday, Southampton are third from bottom in the Premier League table with nine points from 14 matches.
A club statement released on Monday reads:
"Southampton Football Club can today confirm it has parted company with First Team Manager Mark Hughes.
Assistant First Team Manager Mark Bowen and Assistant First Team Coach Eddie Niedzwiecki have also left the club.
We would like to express our thanks to Mark and his staff for all of their efforts during their time at St Mary’s.
The search for a new manager to take the club forward is already under way."
Hughes is the second managerial departure of the 2018/19 season after Slavisa Jokanovic, who was replaced by Claudio Ranieri at Fulham last month.
