Brentford manager Andy Scott’s sacking came less than 24 hours after club officials insisted there was no truth in rumours of his imminent departure.

The 38-year-old and assistant Terry Bullivant were given their marching orders on Thursday after Tuesday’s 4-1 drubbing at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Rumours circulated on Wednesday that Scott had been ousted following a board meeting, but were dismissed as untrue by officials on the same day.

Veteran striker Nicky Forster has been handed temporary charge of team affairs and a first shot at landing the job on a permanent basis.

The former Reading man will have at least Saturday’s clash with Plymouth Argyle and Monday’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy southern area final with Exeter City to argue his case - with former Griffin Park chief Martin Allen waiting in the wings.

A club spokesman confirmed: “The club has parted company with Terry Bullivant and Andy Scott, and there are on going discussions with regards to reaching a mutual agreement.

“Nicky Forster has been appointed caretaker manager.”

Brentford had not won a league match since January and had taken one point from their last seven games to sit only two points above the League One drop zone.

But Scott had remained defiant on Tuesday vowing to halt the miserable run of results.

“I’m doing my job, until told otherwise. There is no point talking about it. I am working hard to turn it round,” he added.

Allen and former Millwall manager Dennis Wise, have been spotted at Griffin Park in recent weeks.

Staff at Pro FC, Allen’s football coaching firm, have confirmed the former West Ham United favourite was unavailable for comment, but was heading to London on Wednesday.

Scott’s exit was greeted with disbelief by former Bees left-back Ryan Dickson, who tweeted: “Andy Scott’s been sacked!Surprised!!”

Former Bristol City, Yeovil Town and Peterborough United manager Gary Johnson is also thought to be among those leading the race to take over.

Andy Scott’s record in charge.

Played 168 Won 64 Drawn 55 Lost 49