Former Saints defender Garry Monk has been sacked as manager of Birmingham - but James Beattie has kept his job.

Monk's future was cast into doubt earlier this week after it emerged his relationship with chief executive Xuandong Ren had deteriorated.

The former Swansea, Leeds and Middlesbrough manager had taken over at St Andrew's during March 2018, and guided the club to safety despite a deduction of nine points for a breach of the Football League's profitability and sustainability rules.

A club statement read: "The Board of Directors believe this to be in the long term interests of the Club.

"We thank Garry for his efforts and we wish him the best for the future.

"Pep Clotet has been appointed caretaker Head Coach and the remainder of the coaching and backroom staff – including Sean Rush, Darryl Flahavan, Ryan Needs and James Beattie - stay in place.

"Pep takes charge of team affairs with immediate effect.

"The Board of Directors are hopeful that over time the team can adopt a fresh and modern footballing philosophy, whilst maintaining the Club’s core values.

"It is our intention to drive the Club forward and challenge for promotion.

"As part of an overall review of Club operations, we will also seek to enhance our recruitment and scouting strategy.

"We have faced significant challenges in relation to Profitability and Sustainability regulations and whilst we will improve our squad and be competitive in the market – the Club’s owners are committed to continued investment - we will do so sensibly and effectively.

"The Club has a pool of talented players and those emerging via the Academy and Under-23s will be embraced, even more so than before. We are certain these young players – as those in our first team already - will be hungry to succeed as we begin a new chapter.

"In addition to our excellent Academy, Birmingham City Women and our Regional Talent Club are also thriving.

"The Board of Directors feel that it is vitally important for everybody at the Club to be sharing the same vision and commitment to the plans and processes."