National League club Hartlepool United are seeking a new manager after deciding to end Nicky Featherstone's brief tenure.
Pools say Featherstone will leave his role at the end of the season, although he could remain at the club in a different capacity.
The decision has been made by the Monkey Hangers following a review of the club's football operations by a recruitment and advisory firm.
Pools are ninth in the table with three games to go, Featherstone having been in charge since last December, following an interim spell, in the wake of Simon Grayson's sacking.
Hartlepool confirmed the latest move in a statement.
"The decision has been taken following a comprehensive review of the club’s football operations by Bromby & Partners, who were appointed in March to help shape the strategic direction and structure of the football department ahead of next season," the statement said.
Hartlepool said Featherstone had led the club to a "highly respectable points tally" during his spell in charge, and said the former captain was "widely regarded as a club legend".
"The club has held initial discussions with Featherstone to offer alternative roles and opportunities in support of his next steps and further development as a coach or manager," the club added.
Pools' American owner Landon Smith said the club have "taken the decision to move in a specific direction in terms of our first-team manager profile, and at this stage in Nicky’s career development, he does not fit that profile."
He said the club's consultants have "provided a clear assessment and proposal of what is required to move forward, with the long-term aim of achieving promotion into the English Football League."
Bromby & Partners will now "lead on the identification and assessment of [managerial] candidates, drawing on our experience across the professional game.”
The advisory firm is led by former Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United and Leeds United defender Leigh Bromby, who has since held a number of academy, recruitment and coaching roles.
Also part of the company is ex-Watford striker Darius Henderson, who later became a sports agent, as well as former Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber.
Featherstone himself said he was disappointed but respected the decision, and went on to thank players, staff and fans.
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