Royle become City manager in 1998 before relegation to Division Two, but then guided the club to successive promotions and into the Premiership.s

City then conceded 63 goals in 37 games on their way back down.

Royle described relegation as "a massive blow" but insisted he would not quit.

Was it the right time for Royle to go? And who should fill the vacant position at Maine Road?

I'm shocked! Man City needs stability more than anything. To get rid of big Joe so soon reminds me of the not so distant past. Chopping and changing so regularly does not breed success.
John, Haywards Heath

I'm shocked! Man City need stability more than anything. To get rid of big Joe so soon reminds me of the not so distant past. Chopping and changing so regularly does not breed success.
John, Haywards Heath

City have got to be doomed now; what a bad time to sack a manager of Royle's quality who did so much for them. Don't they realise that sacking so many managers since PeterReid is exactly what has got them in this position?
Tom, UK

We're a massive club and let's face it, Joe Royle, for all that he's a nice bloke, didn't have what it takes in the Premiership. We should not be playing local derbies against the likes of Stockport. Get ex-player Trevor Francis in now, and see if he can make the final push into the Premiership that he hasn't managed at Birmingham
Michael Quinn, UK

Royle is a whinging old man who constantly blamed referees for his team's failings. Also, some of his purchases have been laughable - Wanchope , Weah, Huckerby and Kanchelskis - were they ever likely to help the club or take the money and run? The results said it all and the board have made the right decision.
SP, UK

Back-to-back promotions was a fantastic achievement, and City fans will never forget what Royle did, but the club's showing in the Premiership this season tells its own sorry story. For City fans, however, it's all simply a case of here we go again.
David Lichtneker, Holland

Although I'm surprised to hear of Royle's sacking, I think it's probably for the best. While he has done well to get back-to-back promotions with a team of journeymen, they never looked like hacking it in the Premiership. They need someone like George Burley, who can nurture a team of quality, movement, passing and invention. Only then will they be able to emulate the success of Ipswich or Charlton.
Adam , UK

What ever happened to loyalty? It is clear, from the teams that are doing well in the Premiership, that longevity of managerial tenure is a key factor. Joe dragged an awful Man City up by their bootlaces, and made them into a top order First Division side. We all need a team in the Premier League for Mancunians to support!
Mark Fretwell, England

The Board will try to usurp West Ham and go for Steve McClaren, as Man Utd are resigned to the fact he will move on.
Bob Thornell, England

Will Man City never learn. Brian Horton kept them afloat in the early 90s in the top flight and so they sacked him, brought in Alan Ball and were relegated. Clubs NEED STABILITY, look at the example set at Old Trafford. Constantly going through managers will never bring a club success.
NB, UK

As a City fan, I can't say that I'm surprised at the announcement made today. Tactically, Joe has his shortcomings which have been magnified this season in the Premiership. I just hope that this does not signal yet another downward spiral for the club. As for Joe's successor, how about Alex Ferguson? - that's one way to get back at the United board!
Wayne Murrie, England