Alan Smith has become caretaker manager at Notts County, according to the BBC.
Smith takes up the role after John Sheridan was sacked on Monday night.
The former Republic of Ireland international took charge at the club last summer, but was dismissed after the League Two side lost their ninth consecutive game.
Full Time: Cambridge 4-0 #Notts. Goals from Luke Berry (2), Uche Ikpeazu and Piero Mingoia condemn Notts to defeat on the road.
— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) January 2, 2017
Smith signed for Notts County in May 2014, and has been a player-coach at the club.
The former Leeds United and Manchester United player begins his managerial career in difficult circumstances, with Notts County currently 22nd in League Two.
Smith started his playing career at Leeds United, and was part of the team that reached the semi-final of the Champions League in 2001.
He was also a member of the Leeds team that were relegated from the Premier League in 2004, as the club went into financial meltdown.
Smith’s £7m transfer to Manchester United would prove controversial, as fans of his former club accused the player of betraying them by joining their bitter rivals.
The 36-year-old played predominately in midfield for Alex Ferguson’s side, and saw his time at Old Trafford marred by a serious leg injury in February 2006 at Anfield.
He returned to play a part in United’s title victory the following season. However, he was sold to Newcastle United in the summer of 2007 and remained at the club until 2012, when he joined MK Dons.
Smith is also the 32nd player from Ferguson’s era to go into management.
Jaap Stam, who became the 31st former Ferguson player to become a manager, takes-on his former club this Saturday in the FA Cup.
