Dunfermline manager Jim Jefferies has stepped down in the wake of Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Airdrieonians.
The former Hearts and Kilmarnock boss had been in charge at East End Park since March 2012 and was planning to leave at the end of the season.
However, with the Pars fourth in League 1 - five points behind leaders Forfar - he has parted company with the Fife club, who he guided to second place in 2013/14 before losing to Cowdenbeath in the play-offs.
Head coach John Potter will take over as manager until the end of the end of the current campaign, with Neil McCann continuing as assistant.
A club statement read: "The Board of Dunfermline Athletic FC confirms that it has been informed by Jim Jefferies that he has decided to step aside as first-team manager with immediate effect.
"Jim’s intention had been to step aside at the end of the year with the team at the top of the league, and pass the reins on to John and Neil, with whom he has worked closely over the last three seasons.
"Unfortunately, recent results have not been satisfactory so Jim has decided that it is in the best interests of our club that he should step aside now.
"The Board wish to place on record again their extreme gratitude to Jim Jefferies for everything that he has done for our club over the last couple of seasons. There is no doubt many other managers might have walked away from our club, faced with the difficulties in front of him.
"Jim’s influence, experience, dignity and leadership were an integral part of the efforts to save our beloved club from insolvency. We ask all Pars fans to remember this as Jim’s legacy, and he will of course always be welcome at East End Park."
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