IPSWICH Town chief executive Simon Clegg confirmed at this morning’s press conference that Roy Keane has had his contract as manager ‘amicably terminated’.

The Blues have installed assistant manager Charlie MacParland as caretaker manager for this Sunday’s FA Cup third round match at Premier League side Chelsea.

The decision was made following a phone conversation between owner Marcus Evans and Keane yesterday, with the latter understood to be releasing a statement at a later date.

Clegg refused to comment on speculation as to who the new Blues boss would be, saying only that there were numerous candidates and an appointment would be made as soon as possible.

“Ipswich Town have amicably terminated the contract of manager Roy Keane with immediate effect,” said Clegg.

“It’s a sad day for Ipswich Town Football Club and for me, both on a personal and professional level.

“I’m thankful to Roy Keane for his efforts, dedication and professionalism over the last 20 months, as well the dignity with which he’s handled this difficult situation.

“His reaction to the news is as I would would have hoped and expected from someone I’ve got to know, it was one of disappointment and sadness coupled with acknowledgement, given recent results the support he’s received. He’s wished us best wishes for the future.”

Clegg continued: “In the traditions of this great football club we wanted to give Roy Keane sufficient time to get things right but, as he’s said on numerous occasions himself recently, performances on the pitch since November have soimply not been good enough.

“We all carry a degree of responsibility for this and include myself in this, ultimately however results rest on the shoulders of the manager and, as Roy said himself, the table doesn’t lie.”

Ipswich Town are currently 19th in the Championship table and just three points off the relegation zone following seven defeats from the last nine.

They travel to Premier League side Chelsea for an FA Cup fourth round match on Sunday, before hosting another top-flight side in the form fo Arsenal in the first leg of a Carling Cup semi-final next Wednesday.

Town’s reclusive owner Marcus Evans released a short statement following the news which simply read: “I would like to put on record my thanks to Roy for his commitment to try and bring success to Ipswich Town Football Club during his time at Portman Road. I would like to wish him every success for the future.”

– For all the latest news on Roy Keane’s departure from Portman Road, keep checking www.greenun24.co.uk throughout the day.