Breaking: Leicester City sack Steve Cooper after just 12 league games

Leicester City have sacked manager Steve Cooper after just 12 Premier League matches in charge.

In a shock decision, City have chosen to part ways with the Welshman with the club sitting 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone. They lost 2-1 to Chelsea on Saturday, extending their winless run in all competitions to five matches.

In a statement, City said: “Leicester City Football Club has parted company with Steve Cooper, who leaves his position as first team manager with immediate effect.

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“Assistant manager Alan Tate and first team coach and analyst Steve Rands have also left the club. Steve, Alan and Steve depart with our thanks for their contribution during their time with the club and with our best wishes for the future.

“Men’s first-team training will be overseen by first team coach Ben Dawson, supported by coaches Danny Alcock and Andy Hughes, as the club begins the process of appointing a new manager, which we hope to conclude as soon as possible.”

While City's performances suggested they would be in a relegation battle this season, the news still comes as a surprise, especially so early in the season. City backed Cooper with a net transfer spend of more than £45m in the summer, after he was appointed to be Enzo Maresca's successor.

With Cooper's Forest connections, City fans found it difficult to take to the Welshman and there were chants of "Cooper, sort it out" at Walsall and Manchester United, as well as boos at home matches.