I truly wish Joe every success in the future. It's left City seeking their ninth manager in 12 years. Royle had led City from the second division to the Premiership in successive seasons and despite their quick return to the first division most City fans backed him as the man to bring them back up again. But the cost of relegation proved too much. Meanwhile George Graham is emerging as a leading contender to take over.
City say they'll make a decision as soon as possible.
With the Manchester City job now up for grabs and with so much uncertainty at other premiership clubs the managerial merry go round looks likely to be very busy over the coming summer months.