Birmingham City have parted company with head coach John Eustace after 15 months in charge.
The Championship club are sixth in the table after Friday’s 3-1 derby win over West Bromwich Albion.
American-owned Blues have been linked with former England captain Wayne Rooney, who has left his role as coach of Major League Soccer side DC United.
The club said the appointment of a new boss is imminent and will be encouraged to adopt a “no fear” approach.
“A new first-team manager will be announced in the coming days who will be responsible for creating an identity and clear ‘no fear’ playing style that all Birmingham City teams will adopt and embrace,” a club statement said.
“It is essential that the board of directors and the football management are fully aligned on the importance of implementing a winning mentality and a culture of ambition across the entire football club.”
Eustace leaves after 15 months in charge, a period for the club that included two failed takeover bids, potential risk of points deductions and the threat of relegation before new owners Shelby Companies Limited, led by American businessman Tom Wagner, took charge on 13 July.
Blues have since been further backed by financial input from global sporting superstar Tom Brady – and the early indications are that they now ready to install former Everton, Manchester United, Derby County and England striker Rooney.
Rooney’s first role in management in England came at Derby in trying circumstances, as they went through their own long drawn-out financial struggle and eventual takeover two seasons ago.
Much of Eustace’s time with Blues came to a similar backdrop – and it was generally considered that he had done a good job in managing to steer Blues to 17th in the Championship last season, securing their safety with three games left.
Birmingham also started this season well, winning three of their first four league games as part of an unbeaten five-match start in all competitions.
They then went seven games without a win at a time when Eustace had his name linked with the managerial vacancy at Scottish giants Rangers.
But Blues settled the ship last week with two home wins in four days, in which they hit seven goals and climbed back up to sixth.
