Chris Powell has been sacked by Chartlon Athletic after three years in charge at The Valley.
The former England left-back joined the south London club in January 2011, having previously spent three spells there as a player.
The news comes just two days after Charlton were beaten 2-0 by Sheffield United in the FA Cup Quarter-Final.
Despite the impressive run that led them to the last eight of the competition, the form has not been replicated in the league and they sit bottom of the Championship, four points adrift of safety – albeit with four games in hand on most of their rivals.
The 44-year-old led Charlton to the League One title in 2011/12. In their first season back in the second tier of he guided the Addicks to a ninth-place finish, just four points shy of a play-off place.
Fact file
- Born: 8 September 1969
- Place: Lambeth, London
- Previous clubs: Crystal Palace, Aldershot, Southend United, Derby County, Charlton Athletic, West Ham, Watford, Leicester
- Teams managed: Leicester City (caretaker), Charlton Athletic
- International caps: 5
However, with a run of only six wins in 30 league games – and stalling contract extension talks – Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet has called time on Powell’s spell in charge.
In a statement on the club's website, owner Duchatelet said: “We have been working with Chris Powell and his representatives for a couple of weeks to try and agree a contract extension which would have seen us continue to work together.
“There was good progress, but we could not reach an agreement over the club’s football strategy going forward
“The situation put a strain on the working relationship between Chris and the board. Therefore I think it is best for all parties that we part ways at this stage.
“I would like to thank Chris for his commitment and hard work over the past three years. The club enjoyed a number of good times under his leadership.
“However, given the club’s position in the league and the number of important fixtures upcoming, I felt this difficult decision was unavoidable at this time.
“We will look to quickly appoint a replacement who we feel will give us the best chance of avoiding relegation from the Championship.
“I can assure supporters this was not an easy decision, but it has been made with the club’s future in mind. Time will tell if it is the right decision.”
Charlton face Huddersfield at home on Wednesday 12 April, before making the short trip across south-east London to play out a crucial relegation ‘six-pointer’ against local rivals Millwall on Saturday.
