Colin Malone had two spells in charge of Glenavon

In a statement, the club said the board had unanimously decided to replace Malone and assistant Neal Carson, with Alan Fraser taking temporary charge.

Glenavon had lost seven league matches in a row and are 11th in the table.

"I am sickened and disappointed. I feel really hurt. I just want to take time out now and reflect. It has come as a shock to me," said Malone.

On Wednesday Glenavon were beaten 3-0 at home by neighbours Portadown in the Mid-Ulster derby.

Malone's first spell in charge of the Mourneview Park club ended in February 2003 when he was sacked.

Ironically, the then club chairman Adrian Teer recently returned to Glenavon in the same role.

Malone had a spell in charge of Armagh City, guiding them to promotion in 2005.

But he accepted the invitation to return to Glenavon in 2006, replacing Jimmy Brown who was sacked by the Lurgan club after just one year in charge.