Notts County have parted company with former Watford Under-23 head coach Harry Kewell.

The Australian took over at Meadow Lane in August and has a win percentage of just 21.4 after tasting defeat in seven of his 14 games.

His dismissal comes in the wake of a run of one win in County’s last eight games and the club’s owner Alan Hardy says results meant Kewell’s departure is a necessity.

“Harry’s passion and commitment as a coach is unquestionable. I enjoyed seeing first hand his love for his job and it gives me absolutely no pleasure to take that away from him,” he told the club website.

“Unfortunately, however, things quite simply were not working out for him here at Meadow Lane.

“Results have not been good enough and performance levels are a continuing concern. We see no reason to continue with something we do not think can work.

“Harry leaves with our best wishes for the future and our search for a new manager begins immediately.”

County play Cheltenham Town in League Two on Saturday and are hopeful of making an appointment before that game.

Steve Chettle will take charge in an interim capacity until then and will oversee the visit of Doncaster Rovers tomorrow night.

Kewell spent the best part of two years with Watford before being sacked in April 2017.