Tony Pulis was ruthlessly sacked over the telephone by West Bromwich Albion.
Chairman John Williams delivered the news during a call on Monday morning while Pulis was at home in Dorset.
Sportsmail understands Pulis would have preferred a face-to-face meeting after three years in charge.
West Brom are now searching for a manager who can guide them clear of relegation danger having dismissed the survival specialist — the side are in 17th, one point above the drop zone.