Late Wednesday afternoon, reports began surfacing from Wales regarding the immediate future of Cardiff City manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Today, it can be confirmed that the 41-year-old Norwegian boss has left the club ‘by mutual consent’.

A statement from chairman Mehmet Dalman on Cardiff City’s website reads: “Having spoken with Ole on deciding the best course of action for all parties, I’m sorry to say that we have agreed that it is in the best interest of the club for us to go our separate ways.”

“Ole has been a wonderful professional to work with since his arrival at the club. Due to a difference in philosophy of approach to the game, we have decided to part company amicably. He and his family will always be welcome at Cardiff City. I know I have gained a good friend whom I wish well and remain confident in his future success.”

The Welsh club’s owner Vincent Tan said: “Ole was hired by Cardiff City on our understanding and belief that he would help us fight relegation from the Barclays Premier League.”

“Unfortunately that did not happen. After the club was relegated many people advised me to let him go, but I decided to keep Ole on for the Championship season.”

“Regrettably our recent results do not justify Ole’s continued role as manager at Cardiff.”

“Ole has therefore decided to step down and I have accepted this.”

“During my short association with Ole, I have found him to be an honest and hardworking professional, but unfortunately the football results were not in his favor.”

Solskjaer took control of the the Welsh club on January 2, 2014. Under the Norwegian’s leadership, Cardiff City lost 16 of their 30 matches, drawing five and winning nine.

The former Manchester United striker was unable to prevent the club from Premier League relegation last season.

Currently, the Bluebirds are 17th in the Championship after three losses in seven games, including recent home defeats to Norwich City (4-2) and Middlesbrough (1-0) on Tuesday.

Reports from Scotland had been suggesting that Dundee United manager Paul Hartley was being lined up as Solskjaer’s successor. But BBC Scotland is reporting that Hartley has already rejected the possibility of joining the Welsh club.

Veteran defender Danny Gabbidon and Scott Young will take temporary charge of Cardiff City until a replacement for Solskjaer is found.