Quote:Ipswich Town have sacked manager Roy Keane after 20 months in charge.

The club have suffered seven losses in nine games and the 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest on Monday left the club 19th in the Championship table.

First-team coach Ian McParland will take charge of the side in Sunday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea.

"I am hugely disappointed to be leaving Portman Road," admitted 39-year-old Keane in a statement through the League Managers Associaton.

"When results aren't good the manager gets the sack, that's the game.

"However, I have a genuine belief that we were making progress and that the players have what it takes to turn this season around."

Ipswich, backed by multi-millionaire Marcus Evans, have invested £8m on players during Keane's reign.

The former Manchester United midfielder led Town to the semi-final of the Carling Cup where they will play Arsenal.

The first leg of their last four clash against the Gunners is due to take place at Portman Road on Wednesday, 12 January.