Burnley have sacked Sean Dyche as manager with the club battling to stay in the Premier League. Dyche, who took the job in October 2012, leaves with his team third from bottom, four points adrift of 17th-placed Everton.

“Results this season have been disappointing and, while this was an incredibly difficult decision, with eight crucial games of the campaign remaining, we feel a change is needed to give the squad the best possible chance of retaining its Premier League status,” said the chairman, Alan Pace.

“The process of replacing Sean has begun and further announcements will be made to supporters in due course.”

Burnley said Sunday’s game at West Ham would be overseen by the under-23s coach Mike Jackson with assistance from the academy director Paul Jenkins, the under-23s goalkeeping coach Connor King and the captain Ben Mee.

Burnley currently sit 18th in the league and are four points behind 17th placed Everton with eight games to play

In a statement to supporters, Chairman Alan Pace was full of praise for the former Watford manager:

“Firstly, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Sean and his staff for their achievements at the Club over the last decade. During his time at Turf Moor, Sean has been a credit both on and off the pitch, respected by players, staff, supporters, and the wider football community.”