Newcastle United have parted company with manager Sam Allardyce by "mutual agreement".

Allardyce, 53, was only appointed at the end of last season and has previously been backed by owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort.

He has now left St James' Park with the club 11th in the Premier League table after only eight months and 24 matches in charge.

First-team coach Nigel Pearson will take charge of the team for Saturday's game at Manchester United.

"Mike and I would like to place on record our thanks for Sam's efforts and wish him well for the future," Mort told the club's official website.

"A new manager has not yet been appointed at Newcastle United. We will make a further announcement on the managerial position when appropriate."

Allardyce said: "I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle United but I wish the club all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future."

Newcastle lost three league matches on the trot over the festive period but earned a replay at Championship high-flyers Stoke in the FA Cup last weekend.

Former Bolton, Blackpool and Notts County manager Allardyce enjoyed a fantastic reputation at the helm of the Trotters and was even interviewed for the England job before the appointment of Steve McClaren.

Ashley completed a takeover of Newcastle shortly after Allardyce's appointment, leading to suggestions that he was not first choice as manager for this season.

There has also been speculation recently that former Toon hero Alan Shearer could be asked to take charge of a team struggling to match its fans expectations.

The pundit, completing his coaching badges, is out of the country on holiday.

Jonathan Symcox / Eurosport