HUDDERSFIELD sacked manager Chris Powell because they wanted a ''change of direction'' and ''a new approach'' for the club, according to chief executive Nigel Clibbens.

Powell oversaw just three league wins this season, with Tuesday night's 2-2 draw at Reading leaving Town 18th in the Sky Bet Championship table.

The West Yorkshire club announced they had parted company with Powell via their Twitter feed yesterday morning, and Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle will now look for his fifth manager since completing his takeover in June 2009.

Clibbens said in a statement: ''We have decided to make this change after very careful deliberation.

''It is made with the long-term interests of the club in mind. It signals a change of direction by the club and a new approach.

"Chris worked to represent Huddersfield Town to the best of his ability; to develop us, improve us and take us forward. He now leaves us well placed for the future challenges ahead.

"With his skills and qualities as a person, it won't be too long before Chris finds a new challenge and we wish him success when that comes.

"We would like to thank Chris and Alex and give them our best wishes for the future."

Former Charlton boss Powell was appointed by Huddersfield in September 2014 and guided Town to a 16th-place finish last season.

The 46-year-old becomes the fifth Championship manager to lose his job this season after the departures of Marinus Dijkhuizen (Brentford), Steve Evans (Rotherham), Uwe Rosler (Leeds) and Guy Luzon (Charlton).

Powell's assistant Alex Dyer also leaves the the John Smith's Stadium with immediate effect so academy manager Mark Lillis, assisted by first-team coach Steve Eyre and senior professional development coach Frankie Bunn, will be in charge of first-team affairs for Saturday's home game against rivals Leeds.

With an international break to follow this weekend's fixtures, it is expected that Huddersfield will look to make an appointment during that two-week sabbatical.