Dunfermline Athletic have announced that manager Jim Jefferies has stepped down with immediate effect.
The Pars had lost three of their previous six matches and sit fourth in Scottish League One, five points behind leaders Forfar.
John Potter and his assistant Neil McCann will take charge of the team for the remainder of the season.
A statement on the club website said: “Jim’s intention had been to step aside at the end of the year with the team at the top of the league and pass the reins on to John and Neil, with whom he has worked closely over the last three seasons.
“Unfortunately, recent results have not been satisfactory so Jim has decided that it is in the best interests of our club that he should step aside now.
“The board wish to place on record once again their extreme gratitude to Jim Jefferies for everything that he has done for our club over the last couple of seasons.
“There is no doubt that many other managers might have walked away from our club, faced with the difficulties in front of him.
“Jim’s influence, experience, dignity and leadership were an integral part of the efforts to save our beloved club from insolvency.
“We ask all Pars fans to remember this as Jim’s legacy and he will of course always be welcome at East End Park.”