McGhee was tipped for the axe last month after he followed a 9-0 thrashing against Celtic with defeat to Inverness but, following lengthy discussions with the Dons board, appeared to have the backing of club bosses when it was confirmed he would continue in the role.

However, a sixth consecutive league defeat at Kilmarnock on Saturday left Aberdeen joint bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, with only goal difference keeping them above Hamilton at the foot of the table.

The Pittodrie club confirmed this evening that McGhee, along with his assistants Scott Leitch and Colin Meldrum, had left the club.

"I think surprise is the obvious reaction tonight after the board had previously let things go after the Celtic and Inverness games," Aberdeen Supporters Trust spokesman Jeremy Wood told Press Association Sport.

"They decided to stick with Mark McGhee then and it looked as though that would be the case at least for the rest of the season.

"I said at the time that decision made the board look a bit indecisive and this confirms it. He was given the proverbial vote of confidence and, a couple of abject results later, he has now gone.

"It's time for a fresh start, although the news will probably be met with mixed reviews. But results have been absolutely dismal. After the Kilmarnock game, I think things just ran out of steam and there was not much more to be gained from things staying as they were."

Fellow SPL managers Derek McInnes and Terry Butcher, who have impressed with St Johnstone and Inverness respectively, cound find themselves in contention for the job.

Out-of-work bosses John Hughes, Gus MacPherson and former Dons hero Gordon Strachan could also be in the frame, along with Billy Stark, who is currently boss of the Scotland Under-21s.

Wood said: "What the fans will be concerned about now is landing one of the usual suspects which are always bandied about.

"The likes of John Hughes and Terry Butcher would not be popular choices. More popular would be someone like Jocky Scott, even in a mentoring role.

"I wouldn't say he is top choice but the fans will be struggling to get their heads around who is available and who would want the job. There are not a lot of candidates that spring to mind.

"Derek McInnes has done a good job at St Johnstone and Billy Stark was a popular player here in the 1980s, who has done okay with the Scotland Under-21s so they could be candidates."

Aberdeen confirmed the search for a new manager will begin immediately "without any timescale being set on the appointment", with details of interim arrangements set to be announced.

Wood added: "The key thing now, whether it's an interim arrangement or a permanent appointment, is getting someone in who will bring stability to the club, get results and get us away from the bottom of the table."

A statement from Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne said: "On behalf of everyone at the Club, I would like to thank Mark, Scott and Colin for their time at Aberdeen.

"It goes without saying that everyone at Aberdeen Football Club wishes Mark, Scott and Colin every success in the future."