Saturday 14 February 2015 15:35, UK
Barnsley have sacked manager Danny Wilson and assistant boss Chris Hutchings with immediate effect.
The club are currently 17th in League One having won only 10 of their 29 games so far this season. Academy coaches Mark Burton and Paul Heckingbottom will take charge for Saturday’s match at Crawley.
Wilson returned to Barnsley for a second spell as manager in December 2013 having led them to the Premier League in 1997 but was unable to stop them being relegated from the Championship last season.
Barnsley's Chief Executive Ben Mansford said: "In recent games we've seen crowds dropping off and that affects us as a business, and despite us wanting to give Danny and Chris further time, from a business point of view we had to look to make the change.
“Some of the results and to a lesser extent some of the performances are not acceptable when you look at that sort of business rationale.”
A club statement read: "The Club would like to place on record its thanks for Danny's work-ethic and determination during his time with the Club and the support Chris provided Danny with since he joined the Club in March 2014.
"Danny joined the Club at a very difficult time which was a testament to his character and affection for the Club – all the while demonstrating the utmost professionalism during his time with the Club. Danny will always be welcome back at Oakwell.
"Our current league position of 17th is in stark contrast to an average home gate of sixth-best in the division. Whilst the Club acknowledges there has been a large turnover of players, the league position is still unacceptable considering all of the above.
"Barnsley Football Club asks all supporters to please get behind Mark Burton and Paul Heckingbottom on Saturday as we seek three valuable points to propel the side up the league table.
Results haven't been as good as expected - they've lost six out of the last nine and with important games against other teams at the bottom coming up, perhaps it's more understandable.
"The Club can assure fans that a suitable candidate will be selected and in place at the earliest opportunity."
Sky Sports Football League pundit Peter Beagrie told The Morning View: "I'm a little bit surprised at this stage of the season.
"Results haven't been as good as expected - they've lost six out of the last nine and with important games against other teams at the bottom coming up, perhaps it's more understandable.
"There are mitigating circumstances - their main striker Sam Winnall has been out injured and they lost Devante Cole to MK Dons on loan.
"But it's disappointing for Danny - he just hasn’t been able to replicate the kind of success he had in his first spell at the club."
