Notts County have sacked manager Martin Allen following Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Hartlepool.
County made the move despite the defeat being their first in five npower League One games.
A statement on the club's official website, nottscountyfc.co.uk, said: "Notts County wish to announce that Martin Allen has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. A further statement will follow in due course."
Allen was appointed in April 2011 in controversial circumstances having only agreed to take the manager's job at Barnet the previous month.
He steered Notts clear of relegation last season.
The 46-year-old, who had won his previous two games prior to the defeat at Hartlepool, leaves Meadow Lane with the team in 12th place in the table.