Newcastle have sacked under-fire manager Graeme Souness with immediate effect.
The Magpies have won only one point in six Barclays Premiership matches and are only six points above the relegation zone.
A statement on the club's website, nufc.co.uk, said: "Newcastle United today announced that the employment of Graeme Souness has been terminated with immediate effect.
"An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional arrangements pending the appointment of a new team manager."
The 3-0 defeat by Manchester City last night edged Souness even closer to the precipice as many Magpies fans called for his head.
After the defeat at Eastlands Souness admitted he was feeling the pressure due to the "passionate" support Newcastle receive.
"It's common knowledge in football that the supporters up here love their football club and it means so much to them. They are madly, madly passionate for their football club," said the Scot.
"That makes it so attractive, but when you are not winning games, that can mean there's a big downside to it as well, and you have to accept that.
"But it's a special place to be involved in the football at Newcastle. I think there are only two or three other clubs in the country where that passion exists."
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