Portsmouth fire Alain Perrin

Alain Perrin was fired by Portsmouth today - the first Premier League manager dismissed this season.

Chairman Milan Mandaric, who said earlier in the week he was contemplating a change, sacked the 49-year-old Frenchman and put assistant Joe Jordan in temporary charge of the south coast club.

Portsmouth are 17th in the Premier League with 10 points in 13 games — just above the relegation zone occupied by Everton (10 points), Birmingham (6) and Sunderland (5).

Perrin, formerly with French clubs Troyes and Marseille, has won four of 21 games since he took over near the end of last season. Portsmouth lost 3-0 at Liverpool on Saturday and faces Chelsea and Manchester United next.

Mandaric called Perrin a "talented coach" but said "recent performances and the general morale amongst the squad needed improvement."

"I really believe that a knowledge of British football is often an underestimated asset in a manager and the demands of Premier League football are intense," Mandaric said.

Portsmouth has been in turmoil since last season when Harry Redknapp walked out as manager after the appointment of Velimir Zajec as director of football. Zajec has since left the club, too.

"This is not an easy time but I ask everyone connected with the club — especially the fans — to stick together and give their usual loyal support to help turn things around," Mandaric said.

He said a full-time replacement for Perrin would be appointed "as quickly as possible."

"I am confident we will find the right man for the job to help Pompey get the season back on track," Mandaric said.

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock and former Ipswich, Derby and Hearts manager George Burley are among reported candidates for the job. Roy Keane, who was released by Manchester United last week, could be in the frame for his first management role.