Birmingham City parted company with manager Garry Monk, the club have announced.

The Blues finished 17th in the Championship last season, despite being hit by a nine point penalty.

Assistant Pep Clotet has taken caretaker charge, while former Rovers striker James Beattie has stayed with the club in a coaching role.

His departure means six of the 18 clubs remaining in the Championship from last season will be starting the new one with a different manager.

Indeed, Rovers boss Tony Mowbray is only one of seven of those 18 to have been in charge at the start of the 2018/19 season, with uncertainty also surrounding the long-term future of Derby manager Frank Lampard.

A statement read: “The Board of Directors believe this to be in the long term interests of the club.

We thank Garry for his efforts and we wish him the best for the future.

“Pep Clotet has been appointed caretaker head coach and the remainder of the coaching and backroom staff - including Sean Rush, Darryl Flahavan, Ryan Needs and James Beattie - stay in place.”

Monk’s future was cast into doubt earlier this week after it emerged his relationship with chief executive Xuandong Ren had deteriorated.

The former Swansea, Leeds and Middlesbrough manager had taken over at St Andrew’s during March 2018, and guided the club to safety despite the points deduction for a breach of the Football League’s profitability and sustainability rules.

Birmingham’s statement continued: “The board of directors are hopeful that over time the team can adopt a fresh and modern footballing philosophy, whilst maintaining the club’s core values.

“It is our intention to drive the club forward and challenge for promotion.

“As part of an overall review of club operations, we will also seek to enhance our recruitment and scouting strategy.”