Mike Phelan has been sacked as manager of Hull City after only being named permanent manager in October.

The 54-year-old took over as caretaker manager in the summer following Steve Bruce’s abrupt departure before a ball had been kicked of this Premier League season.

Phelan started well and was awarded August’s manager of the month award as he lead Hull to wins over Premier League champions Leicester and fellow strugglers Swansea.

However, the Tigers haven’t won since the start of October and Monday’s 3-1 defeat away to West Brom proved the final straw for the former Manchester United assistant.

Phelan leaves Hull firmly in the relegation zone with 13 points from 20 games and the club said they had already begun the search for his replacement, with an announcement to be made “in due course”.

They said on Twitter: “The club can announce this evening that it has parted company with head coach Mike Phelan. We could like to thank Mike for his efforts both as assistant manager and head coach over the last two years.

“The search for a replacement has begun and an announcement will be made in due course.”