Dunfermline have sacked manager Stephen Kenny with the pre-season promotion favourites languishing second bottom of Scotland's Division One.
Veteran striker Jim McIntyre becomes temporary head coach, the club website stating: "DAFC have terminated their contract with Stephen Kenny.
"And, with immediate effect, Jim McIntyre becomes DAFC's caretaker."
Kenny arrived from Derry City last November, but his new side dropped out of the Scottish Premier League.
However, having taken over following a poor start to the campaign under director of football Jim Leishman, he was lauded for a late recovery that almost saved their top-flight status.
Kenny also led the Fife outfit to the Scottish Cup final last term.
"Following recent league results, we felt that we had no alternative but to act now"
But they have slipped 21 points behind leaders Hamilton Academical in the race for promotion this season.
The cost of ending Kenny's contract could have been a factor when the Pars board backed him a month ago despite heavy defeats by Hamilton, Stirling Albion and Livingston.
But, although they reached the Scottish Football League's Challenge Cup final this season, Saturday's home defeat by second-top Dundee proved to be the Irishman's final game in charge.
Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston said: "Although there is never a good time to change a manager, the board felt, following recent league results, that we had no alternative but to act now.
"The club have given Stephen their full backing and support throughout his tenure.
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"But, regrettably, things have just not worked out the way we hoped.
"We wish him well in the future and look forward to seeing the players perform for their new caretaker manager, Jim McIntyre."
In 51 games as Pars manager, Kenny's side only managed 16 wins.
McIntyre's first game in charge will be at home to Clyde on Saturday.
Dunfermline say they will "now take time to interview and appoint a new permanent head coach over the next few weeks".
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