Solskjaer sacked as Cardiff boss

The former Manchester United legend, who helped the Red Devils secure the treble in 1998/99 after scoring a last-gasp winner against Bayern Munich in the final of the Champions League, joined Cardiff in January 2014 following the sacking of Malky Mackay and was handed the responsibility of keeping the Bluebirds in the Premier League.

The 41-year-old Norwegian failed in his task of ensuring Cardiff's top-flight status, but was backed to guide the Welsh side back into the Premier League by chairman Vincent Tan.

However, a poor start to the 2014/15 Championship campaign, in which the Bluebirds picked up just eight points from their opening seven fixtures, saw discontent amongst fans grow, and with increased pressure from the media Tan has moved to relieve Solskjaer of his duties with immediate effect.

"Our difference in philosophy on how to manage the club made me decide to step aside and allow the club to move forward in the direction Vincent wants," Solskjaer said in a statement

The official line was that Solskjaer "stepped down" but that was only after agreeing a severance package with the club.

It is believed that the Norwegian could net as much as £3m in a pay-off despite only being appointed in January.

Welshman Tony Pulis is now the even money favourite to take the job.

Cardiff saw their poor run of form continue with a 1-0 defeat at home to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

That result meant Solskjaer had taken just 20 points from a possible 75 in league action since succeeding Mackay in January.

"Ole was hired by Cardiff City on our understanding and belief that he would help us fight relegation from the Premier League. Unfortunately that did not happen," Tan said.

"After the club was relegated many people advised me to let him go, but I decided to keep Ole on for the Championship season. Regrettably our recent results do not justify Ole's continued role as manager at Cardiff.

"Ole has therefore decided to step down and I have accepted this. During my short association with Ole, I have found him to be an honest and hardworking professional, but unfortunately the football results were not in his favour."

Veteran defender Danny Gabbidon and academy manager Scott Young will take charge of Cardiff's trip to Derby County on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Dundee have confirmed manager Paul Hartley will be staying at Dens Park after snubbing interest from Cardiff.

The former Hibernian, Hearts and Celtic midfielder was tipped to replace Solskjaer but Dundee released a statement saying Hartley was going nowhere