Wignall took charge in April

Wignall took over in April but has won just six of his 23 games in charge and the club are lying third bottom of Division Three

"The results throughout the period of Mr Wignall's management have been poor," Southend chairman Ron Martin said on the club's website.

"The board have been patient, and whilst I have listened to Mr Wignall's reasoning I did not see the passion in his eyes.

"I am sure Steve Wignall was committed to the club's success, however, if the season continues over the next month as it has over the past three months then this year will be effectively over.

"The board consider it prudent to act now and breathe new life into what we consider a good squad of players but which in our view has lacked the motivation to achieve consistently good performances."

David Webb has taken over as caretaker-manager and will be in charge of the squad for the LDV Vans tie at Swansea on Tuesday.