Neil Warnock has become the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season after being dismissed by Crystal Palace.

The 66-year-old joined the Eagles for a second time in August 2014, following the departure of Tony Pulis.

However Palace's 3-1 defeat at home against Southampton on Boxing Day left them in the relegation zone.

Assistant manager Keith Millen will be in charge for the trip to Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

But it is understood that Palace will begin their search for a permanent successor immediately.

A club statement read: "Crystal Palace Football Club can today confirm that Neil Warnock has been relieved of his duties and is no longer first-team manager.

"The club would like to put on record its thanks to Neil for all his hard work and energy over the past four months."

Pulis left 48 hours before the start of the season after guiding Palace to an 11th place finish and being named Premier League manager of the Year.

Warnock won just three of his 16 Premier League games in his second spell in charge, giving a win percentage of 18.8% compared to Pulis's 42.3%.

Before the Sheffield-born manager's appointment on a two-year deal, the club opted not to employ Malky Mackay and Tim Sherwood withdrew after being interviewed . They also spoke to Steve Clarke.

Palace are now looking for a fourth manager in 14 months since Ian Holloway's sacking in October 2013.