Mike Williamson’s reign as Carlisle United head coach is over.
He has been sacked following Saturday’s disastrous 5-1 home defeat to Swindon Town.
The decision comes after the latest miserable afternoon in the Blues’ relegation battle, with the club expected to move quickly to secure his successor.
United confirmed the news in a short statement.
"Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that head coach Mike Williamson has this morning been relieved of his duties and has left the club with immediate effect," the statement said.
"Everyone at the club would like to thank Mike for his efforts during his time at the club.
"The club will give a further update in the coming days."
Williamson departs after less than five months in charge.
The decision, on transfer deadline day, comes after many fans called for his head in the wake of the Swindon thrashing, which deepened the Blues’ relegation worries.
The former MK Dons and Gateshead man leaves United rock bottom of the EFL, five points from safety in League Two with 18 games to go.
A host of fans chanted, ‘Out, out, out’ as Williamson headed for the tunnel following the Swindon defeat.
Supporters have also been expressing their wish for change online after the Cumbrians’ latest worrying setback.
Williamson, after being brought in to replace Paul Simpson on September 19, has presided over 22 league games, from which only 18 points have been gained.
He oversaw four victories, six draws and 12 defeats in League Two. He was also in charge for three cup games, which saw one victory and two defeats.
The decision comes less than a month after the Blues hierarchy, including owner Tom Piatak, declared their faith in Williamson at a fans’ forum.
Last October, Piatak also underlined his belief in the head coach amid a poor early run of results.
The 41-year-old was hired to oversee a transformation in United's style of play, while he was also backed to carry out a major overhaul of the struggling squad in the transfer window, Carlisle going on to make 11 signings in January.
Yet there has been no uplift in results and a run of five defeats in their last six games has seen United become odds-on favourites for a second successive relegation.
They now have 18 games to save their EFL status, starting with next Saturday’s trip to Grimsby Town.
Williamson was in charge for 137 days - only a marginally shorter reign than Simpson's predecessor Keith Millen, who was at the helm for 130 days from October 26, 2021 to February 23, 2022 - the previous time Carlisle dispensed with two managers in one campaign, Millen having succeeded Chris Beech.
