Grimsby Town have announced that manager Graham Rodger has been "relieved of his current duties" after five months in charge.
The Mariners, who are without a win in six games, have slipped to 22nd place in League Two - having been beaten finalists in last season's play-offs.
Assistant boss Stuart Watkiss will take over as caretaker boss.
"He has been a loyal servant to the club, but has become a victim of circumstances," a club statement read.
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The shame of it is that this man deserved better
Grimsby Town club statement
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"Unfortunately, injuries to Michael Reddy, Gary Cohen, Isaiah Rankin and recent signing Kevin James have made Graham's job especially difficult.
"Such is the pressure on this results-based industry that the board has arrived at one of its most difficult decision.
"Graham has qualities this club needs - the shame of it is that this man deserved better."
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Rodger, 39, became manager in June after ex-boss Russell Slade left Blundell Park.
He made 134 league appearances for Grimsby as a player, before spending time on the coaching staff under former bosses Paul Groves, Nicky Law and Slade.
Meanwhile, Watkiss remained tight-lipped when asked if he would be applying to succeed Rodger.
"I've been asked to take over first-team affairs and that's all I'm thinking about at the moment," Watkiss said.
"It's a very sad for the club with Graham leaving because he was such an outstanding servant to Grimsby Town."