Wolverhampton Wanderers sacked former Liverpool and Wales striker Dean Saunders as their manager on Tuesday.
Saunders paid the price for overseeing fallen English giants Wolves’ descent into the third tier of English football, winning just five of his 20 games in charge after replacing Stale Solbakken in January.
It was the Midlands club’s second successive relegation and left them looking for their fifth permanent manager in 15 months since owner Steve Morgan sacked Mick McCarthy in February last year, with Wolves still in the Premier League.
“Manager Dean Saunders has been informed by Wolves that his contract is to be terminated,” a club statement said. “The decision has been made following confirmation of Wolves’ relegation to npower League One.
“Assistant manager Brian Carey will also be leaving the club.
“Wolves have now begun a recruitment process, which, in conjunction with the board, will be managed by head of football development and recruitment Kevin Thelwell.
“Wolves would like to thank Dean and Brian for their efforts in what has been a very difficult period for everyone, and wish them both the very best for the future.”
Wolves’s recent run of managerial ins and outs started when Morgan sacked McCarthy, who had been in charge at Molineux for five-and-a-half years.
McCarthy was replaced by his former assistant Terry Connor but Wolves were relegated to the Championship with three games of the season left.
Connor was sacked the following July, with Solbakken, axed by Cologne the previous month, taking charge.
But the Norwegian made little impression and, after just half a season and with the club 18th in the Championship in January, he too was sacked by Morgan and replaced by Saunders, who had guided Doncaster into second place in League One.
Wolves were crowned champions of England three times in the 1950s but, with the exception of two League Cups (1974 and 1980) and a losing UEFA Cup final appearance (1972), have rarely hit the heights since the likes of Molineux great Billy Wright enjoyed their heyday.
Wolves sack manager Saunders
