West Ham have terminated manager Glenn Roeder's contract with immediate effect. Roeder, who underwent surgery last season on a brain tumour, returned to work at Upton park in the summer following the club's relegation from the Barclaycard Premiership.
West Ham started the season with a win at Preston but defeat yesterday at Rotherham has been followed by him receiving the sack.
Roeder has been replaced by Trevor Brooking as caretaker manager, a role the Hammers director filled during Roeder's absence following the surgery.
An official statement from West Ham on the club's website, www.whufc.co.uk, read: "The board would like to place on record their gratitude to Glenn for his hard work and commitment to the club since his permanent appointment in June 2001.
"This was demonstrated by his desire to return to active duty so quickly after his recent illness and I am sure all supporters recognise how dedicated he was to the club."
But that did not stop the club acting to dismiss Roeder amidst protests from fans over the sale of several top stars during the summer to ease debts following relegation.
The statement continued: "The board, however, feel that following relegation to the First Division the club's best chance of returning to the Premiership at the first attempt would be enhanced by a change of manager.
"Trevor Brooking will once again act as caretaker manager until such time as a permanent successor is appointed."