Queen of the South announced on Tuesday morning that manager James Fowler had left the club with immediate effect.
The former Kilmarnock defender, who replaced Jim McIntyre in September 2015, helped the Doonhamers to fourth place in his first season but they are currently seventh in the Championship and have missed out on a playoff spot as they are trailing by 19 points with only two games remaining.
A statement on the official club website, read: “Following discussions last night, the Club and manager James Fowler have agreed to part company.”
Club chairman Billy Hewitson added: “It’s always disappointing when a manager leaves, we thank James for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future.”
Assistant manager Gavin Skelton and Jim Thomson have been placed in charge of first-team affairs until the end of the season.
Queen of the South striker Iain Russell paid tribute to the departing Fowler on social media on Tuesday night. The 33-year-old said:
Never nice when a manager loses his job. Been an extremely tough 1st job for James & this was always going to be a hard season for everyone.
— Iain Russell (@iainybeany) April 19, 2016
I'm sure James will have learned a lot with this experience. A good guy & he was always supportive of my personal life & Alfie.
— Iain Russell (@iainybeany) April 19, 2016
