Ian Foster sacked as Plymouth head coach after less than three months in charge

Foster was appointed in January, having previously worked as Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, but has struggled to make an impression at Home Park.

Argyle have won just three of his 14 league games at the helm and a 1-0 home defeat to Bristol City on Easter Monday proved the end of the line.

As well as leaving the club perilously perched just one point above the relegation zone, it was also the fifth successive time they had failed to score in front of their own fans.

Director of football Neil Dewsnip will take charge for the rest of the campaign, aided by first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell.

Chairman Simon Hallett, who had declared Foster the “perfect candidate” for “our next five-year mission” on his appointment, said: “Ian was hired through a thorough and extensive recruitment process and his coaching credentials really stood out when making the appointment.

“But we have to balance long-term stability against short-term decisions, and we have given Ian as long as possible to see if results could improve.

“Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case, and we feel now is the right time to make a change to give us the best chance of securing survival. The Green Army have been incredible in recent weeks, as ever, and we need you all now to continue that support as we embark on the final weeks of the campaign with Neil and Nance in charge.”