Queen of the South have parted company with manager James Fowler two games before the end of the season.

The Palmerston side sit seventh in the Championship having missed out on this year's Premiership play-offs.

Fowler led the Doonhamers to the play-offs at the end of the 2014/15 campaign after finishing fourth in the table but were knocked out by Rangers 3-2 on aggregate.

Queen of the South's inconsistent season has seen them without a win in the last five games and the departure of the manager comes just days after the side drew 2-2 with relegated Alloa.

Assistant manager Gavin Skelton and Jim Thomson will take tempoarary charge until the end of the campaign.

Chairman Billy Hewitson told the official Queen of the South website: "It's always disappointing when a manager leaves, we thank James for his efforts and wish him all the best for the future".

Fowler joined the Dumfries side as a player coach in June 2014 and replaced Jim McIntyre when he moved to Ross County three months later.