Sturrock, manager since August 2004, was fired a day after the club lost 4-0 to Colchester.

``Our league position says it all,'' chairman Dave Allen said. ``In spite of strengthening the squad this year, we have not made the desired progress and, to that end, we need a change in the coaching staff.''

Allen said an interim manager would be appointed Friday in time for Saturday's match against Queen Park Rangers.

The 50-year-old Sturrock, who has also managed Southampton, Plymouth, Dundee United and St. Johnstone, led Wednesday to promotion in 2005 but the team finished 19th in the 24-team Championship last season.

The club is 21st in the standings with 10 points, one more than last-place Hull City.