LEE McCulloch yesterday left his job as Kilmarnock manager after their miserable start to the Ladbrokes Premiership season.

The Ayrshire club, bottom of the league and without a win in eight games, announced the departure of McCulloch and his assistant Peter Leven less than 24 hours after a 2-0 home loss to Ross County.

McCulloch took interim charge in February after Lee Clark’s departure for Bury and was given the reins permanently after securing top-flight status for another season.

A club statement said: “Everyone at Kilmarnock FC thanks Lee and Peter for their hard work and dedication during their time with the club and we wish both all the best for the future.”

McCulloch joined as player-coach in July 2015 and had his first spell in interim charge in January 2016 after Gary Locke’s resignation.

That lasted just two games before Clark’s appointment, and last season McCulloch called time on his playing career and became Clark’s assistant.