Premier League manager Mackay sacked

The Premier League club Cardiff City relieved the manager Malky Mackay of his duties Friday.

Before the decision, Cardiff, who suffered a 3-0 home defeat by Southampton on Boxing Day, were only one point above the relegation zone in the table of English top-flight, reported Xinhua.

"The Board of Directors at Cardiff City Football Club have relieved Malky Mackay of his duties," said the club in a statement.

"A new first team manager will be appointed and announced in due course."

Mackay, the 41-year-old Scot, thus became the sixth Premier League manager who had left the post in this season, following Andre Villas-Boas (Tottenham), Steve Clarke (West Brom), Martin Jol (Fulham), Ian Holloway (Crystal Palace) and Paolo Di Canio (Sunderland).