Premier League manager Malky Mackay sacked following loss to Southampton

The Premier League club Cardiff City relieved the manager Malky Mackay of his duties Friday.

Before the decision, Cardiff, who suffered a 3-0 home defeat by Southampton on Boxing Day, were only one point above the relegation zone in the table of English top-flight, reported Xinhua.

"The Board of Directors at Cardiff City Football Club have relieved Malky Mackay of his duties," said the club in a statement.

"A new first team manager will be appointed and announced in due course."

Mackay, the 41-year-old Scot, thus became the sixth Premier League manager who had left the post in this season, following Andre Villas-Boas (Tottenham), Steve Clarke (West Brom), Martin Jol (Fulham), Ian Holloway (Crystal Palace) and Paolo Di Canio (Sunderland).