The outspoken and controversial boss had made many headlines since moving north to take over the position following Mark McGhee’s departure for Aberdeen in the summer.

The former Stockport boss had received plaudits for the way her had bounced back from a difficult start to build a young side which recorded draws with both Rangers and Celtic.

In statement released just after 1pm on Monday, Motherwell chairman, John Boyle, said: “It is deeply regrettable that the board has felt it necessary to part company with the manager at this stage of the season, but we have reached a situation where we felt there was no other option.

“Generally, results on the field have been satisfactory since Jim Gannon was appointed, and the Board wishes to make it clear that today’s decision is not related in any way whatsoever to recent results.

“Over the past couple of months it has become abundantly clear that the manager was not fully committed to the club and, despite our best efforts, he repeatedly refused to sign a contract.

“Relations between the manager, staff and directors deteriorated to the extent that the situation became untenable.”

The club’s head of youth, Gordon Young, will take charge of the team for Wednesday’s match against Hearts at Tynecastle.

But the race to become Gannon’s successor has already begun with Jimmy Calderwood, Jim Jefferies and Chris McCart expected to be in the frame.