PEP Clotet has been sacked as manager of Oxford United.

The club has this morning announced it has parted company with the Spaniard.

It comes after the U's lost to Sky Bet League One's bottom club Bury on Saturday.

Assistant head coach Derek Fazackerley will take charge of tomorrow's Checkatrade Trophy quarter-final tie at Chelsea.

The club said the board took the decision 'in the best interests' of Oxford United.

The statement said: "Oxford United Football Club has today parted company with its manager, Pep Clotet.

"The Board has taken the decision after much consideration, and in the best interests of Oxford United FC.

"Pep has worked extremely hard throughout his time at Oxford.

"The board thanks him for his efforts and wishes him every success for the future."

Clotet was appointed United manager on July 1 after Michael Appleton departed to become Leicester City's assistant manager.

Despite taking 12 points from the opening six games, inconsistency proved a major Achilles heel.

United have lost twice against strugglers Bury and Walsall, while they were beaten 7-0 at home by Wigan Athletic in December.

The latest defeat leaves the U's equidistant from the play-off places and the relegation zone.

Pep Clotet's final interview - United back to square one after defeat to Bury