Leicester City

The Foxes have struggled in the Championship this season and have failed to live up to their billing from before the campaign.

Leicester came close to winning promotion to the Premier League last season but were beaten by Cardiff City 4-3 in a thrilling Championship play-off semi-final.

The East Midlands club currently sit at the foot of the table with just five points from nine games.

Sousa took over the manager’s job in July after Nigel Pearson moved to Hull City (12/1 to win promotion) in the summer.

The sacking comes as a surprise after Leicester City owner Milan  Mandaric called for calm and support for the Portuguese manager.

However, a club statement said: “The decision has been taken as a result of the club’s poor run of results this season.

“The club would like to state that Paulo Sousa is a first-class individual, but that this decision has been taken in the best interests of the club and our ambitions to move up the Championship.

“The search for a new manager begins immediately and the club anticipates a quick appointment,” he added.

Former Foxes boss Martin O’Neill is believed to have held talks with the club and would be a popular appointment amongst supporters.

Ex-England manager Sven Goran Eriksson has also been linked with the Championship side as he looks to get back into management in England.

Sousa has admitted that he was surprised to be sacked so early into a new season.

He said: “To be sacked after being told that there was a long-term strategy at the club and after only nine games in charge is something that I find very surprising.”

Leicester have been on the end of some heavy defeats this season including a 6-1 thrashing by Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Goalkeeping coach Mike Stowell and coach Chris Powell have been put in charge of the club until a new manager has been appointed.

Leicester have two home fixtures coming up including a showdown with Hull City and Pearson at the Walkers Stadium.

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