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Keane sacked by Ipswich

Roy Keane has reportedly been shown the door by Ipswich © PA Photos

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Roy Keane has been sacked as manager of struggling Championship side Ipswich Town.

Ipswich have lost seven of their last nine league games, prompting owner Marcus Evans to bring an end to Keane's 20-month reign at Portman Road.

The former Manchester United captain spent more than £8 million on players during his time in charge, but failed to turn the Tractor Boys into promotion contenders and he leaves the club languishing in 19th place.

After a poor campaign last term, Keane started this season well but failed to maintain any kind of form and Monday's 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest appears to have been one defeat too many.

Chief executive Simon Clegg confirmed the club's decision to part with Keane at a news conference on Friday. He said: "I can confirm that Ipswich Town Football Club have amicably terminated the contract of our manager Roy Keane with immediate effect. I have to say this is a sad day for Ipswich Town football club and for me personally. I'd like to that Roy Keane for his efforts, his dedication, his support and his professionalism over the last 20 months.

"His reaction to the news is as I would have hoped and expected from someone I've got to know over the past two years. One of disappointment and sadness and coupled with the acknowledgment of the opportunity he was given and support he has received.

"We wanted to give Roy Keane the sufficient time to get the team right and to improve the situation. However, as he has said himself, the performances on the pitch since November have simply not been good enough. The results speak for themselves. We all carry a degree of responsibility for this failure and I include myself in this. I'm convinced that with a new manager we can achieve the objective and goals we have set for this club."

Former Wigan and Derby County manager Paul Jewell has been installed as the early favourite to take control at Portman Road, although Clegg, who has installed first-team coach Charlie McParland as caretaker manager, remained tight-lipped regarding Keane's replacement.

"I hope to be in a position to make an announcement regarding the new manager over the coming days," he said. "We've started that process. We're speaking with a number of people. I'm not going to fuel any speculation or deny any names thrown at me. I can assure you he will have the support and resources available to him. I think it is unrealistic to hope those negotiations will be concluded and an appointment made before Sunday's game [against Chelsea]."

Keane, who guided Sunderland to the Premier League in 2007 but walked away from the club following a tough spell in the English top flight, expressed disappointment at leaving his position but accepted results weren't good enough.

In a statement issued by the League Managers Association, the Irishman said: "I'm hugely disappointed to be leaving Portman Road. Results haven't been as good as I'd have hoped so far this season and when results aren't good the manager gets the sack, that's the game.

"However, I have a genuine belief we were making progress and that the players have what it takes to turn this season around. I was also working hard to build the squad during the transfer window, looking at our options to attract new players to the club. I have loved my time at Ipswich, living locally to the club with my family, and have a massive respect for the club, its staff, the fans and the community and I wish them well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.