Ipswich Town sack manager Paul Cook following goalless home draw with Barrow in the FA Cup

Paul Cook's time as Ipswich Town manager has come to a surprise end in the wake of this afternoon's drab 0-0 home draw with lower-league Barrow in the Emirates FA Cup.

The Suffolk club confirmed the former Chesterfield, Portsmouth and Wigan Athletic boss had been "relieved of his duties" in a post on Twitter at 7.10pm.

It ends his tenure nine months – 277 days – after it began following his appointment under former majority owner Marcus Evans.

Cook leaves the Tractor Boys 11th in the Sky Bet League One table, seven points off the top six and 11 points off the top two having played a game more than most of those sides above them.

His last league game saw a narrow 2-1 home victory over basement side Crewe Alexandra which drew criticism for how they let their opponents back into the game.

It comes after he undertook a big squad rebuild in the summer, bringing in 20 new players, under the new American-based Gamechanger 20 Ltd ownership group who had insisted he was also their 'number one choice' as manager.

Cook's last interview as Town boss, which can be read word-for-word here, saw him say his players were not as good as they thought they were and also admit that he did not believe an improved run of results was around the corner.

He leaves the club with a win record of under 30 per cent (29.54) having taken charge of 44 matches and won 13, drawing 17 and losing 14.

In a statement on Ipswich Town's website CEO Mark Ashton said: "Firstly, we would like to thank Paul and his team for their efforts in what has been a difficult transition period for everyone.

"I know how much Paul wanted to succeed at this club. However, following discussions with the board, we have decided a change is needed for our long-term interests.

"At this moment, there is no-one lined up to replace Paul. There will be an extensive search to find the best replacement for the club.

"I will communicate more to the media and our supporters on Monday."

The Blues are due to return to League One action at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday with it yet not clear who will take charge of the team.

Former Town Premier League promotion winner John McGreal was brought into the club to help with the under-23s this week and has previously managed Colchester United.