Barry Robson has been sacked as manager of Aberdeen FC after a year in charge of the club.
The former Dons player was originally appointed on an interim basis last January, before overseeing a run of seven consecutive wins as boss.
He took the reds from seventh to third last season, but leaves them this in eighth this time round, albeit with games in hand over some teams above.
After investing heavily in the playing squad in summer, chairman Dave Cormack said change was "necessary" and "in the best interests of Aberdeen FC".
'Unacceptable' league position
“Barry earned the right to be Aberdeen manager and knew the high level of expectation we had when he took the role," added Cormack.
"We gave Barry as much time and support as we possibly could in the hope, and expectation, he could return us to the league form we witnessed in the spring of last year.
“There is a talented squad of players at the Club which makes our current league position unacceptable.
“With 17 games left in the league and still in the Scottish Cup, this change is necessary to help us refocus on our ambitions for the rest of the season.
“It’s important we thank Barry for his significant contribution to Aberdeen as a player, a coach and manager. He’s a good man who worked extremely hard in everything he did for us, and it goes without saying that we wish him, and Steve, our very best."
A bottom-six finish for the Dons would be the clubs second in three seasons, having previously not finished in the bottom half since 2013.
Club remains in 'good shape'
"We have no bank debt, significant commercial growth, record season ticket and AberDNA membership sales," continued Cormack, who is now looking for his fourth permanent manager in less than two years.
"We also have an evolving player trading model that is allowing us to invest significantly more in the football operation than the operating income we generate.
“But, as chairman I accept responsibility, along with the board, for the managerial upheavals. It’s exhausting for everyone to go through, not least our fans and the managers who gave their all and lost their jobs.
“We have asked First Team Coach Peter Leven, assisted by Scott Anderson, to lead training on an interim basis.”