Birmingham City have sacked manager Garry Monk after just over a year in charge of the Championship club.

There had been talk earlier this month that ex-Middlesbrough, Swansea and Leeds boss Monk, 40, would resign over the exit of Jota to rivals Aston Villa.

Monk's assistant Pep Clotet has been named caretaker head coach.

"The board of directors are hopeful that over time the team can adopt a fresh and modern footballing philosophy," a statement said.

Monk helped Blues avoid relegation after arriving at St Andrew's in March 2018 and then took them towards the play-offs last season.

But they had a potential Financial Fair Play penalty hanging over them for breaching EFL profitability and sustainability rules.

That ultimately led to them being deducted nine points by an EFL Independent Disciplinary Commission. They finished the season 12 points above the drop zone, in 17th.

The statement added they wanted to be challenging for promotion.

"The board of directors believe this [Monk's sacking] to be in the long-term interests of the club," it continued.

"It is *****ly important for everybody at the club to be sharing the same vision and commitment to the plans and processes."

The remainder of Monk's backroom team - including first-team coach James Beattie - are to remain at the club.