Kilmarnock have confirmed that Kenny Shiels has left his role as manager.
The Scottish club have parted ways with the 57-year old Northern Irishman after two years with him at the helm at Rugby Park.
Killie's ninth-place finish last season and the fact Shiels has recently been in hot water for comments in the media are believed to have influenced the decision.
"The club thanks Kenny for his services over the last three years, firstly as assistant to Mixu Paatelainen, thereafter as interim manager and subsequently as manager," read a club statement.
"Back to back victories over Rangers in season 2011-12 and a historic win at Celtic Park in season 2012-13 will live on in the memory of the club's supporters.
"Kenny's work ethic and his determination to introduce young players into the first team were evident throughout his time with the club.
"Unfortunately season 2012-13 saw the club exit the League Cup at the first hurdle and go on to record our poorest home record since season 1980-81, culminating in seven matches without a victory at Rugby Park to exit the Scottish Cup and miss out on the 'top six' and then drop to ninth place with five defeats in our final six SPL fixtures.
"A difficult relationship with the Scottish FA resulted in several touchline bans and recent comments regarding a fellow SPL club and the Scottish FA Judicial Panel incurred a further suspension which would have seen Kenny commence next season in the stand, rather than the dug-out.
"As a result, the club was also prosecuted by the Judicial Panel's Compliance Officer at a hearing on 6 June and will discover the penalty to be imposed on 21 June.
"For these reasons, both footballing and regulatory, it was mutually agreed that his contract as manager should end.
"The club wishes Kenny every success in the future and thanks him for delivering the League Cup to Rugby Park in 2012."
