Crystal Palace have become the first Premier League club to sack their manager this season after relieving Neil Warnock of his duties.

The 66-year-old only took over at the Eagles in August when former boss Tony Pulis surprisingly departed in the summer, but having only won three of his 17 games in charge the club have decided to wield the axe.

Warnock, who was in his second spell in charge of the club having previously managed Palace in the Championship between 2007 and 2010, was concerned about his future following what turned out to be his last game in charge on Boxing Day when Palace lost 3-1 at home to Southampton.

He said: “When you lose a game you’re responsible. I have no complaints, at 3-0 down, you’d be very surprised not to get a bit of stick. If I was a player today I’d blame the manager.”

Palace are now in the Premier League relegation zone with just 15 points from their opening 18 league games.

Keith Millen has once again been placed in temporary charge of the club – for a third time – but it is believed the Palace board are to immediately begin searching for Warnock’s successor.

Millen, 48, will be in control for Sunday’s match at QPR, with games coming thick and fast over the festive period.

The Eagles are 2.93 outsiders to win at Loftus Road, with the hosts 2.44 to claim the spoils. The draw is 3.14.

Millen may well still be in charge on New Year’s Day when Palace travel to Aston Villa before they face a potentially difficult FA Cup tie at Conference side Dover on January 4.