Paul Lambert has left his role as Ipswich manager by mutual consent.

The 51-year-old Scot, who took charge of the Tractor Boys in October 2018, leaves the club in eighth place in the Sky Bet League One table, two points off the play-off places. Assistant boss Stuart Taylor has also departed.

Ipswich owner Marcus Evans said the move came after the two parties had “significant differences of opinion” over the club’s direction.

“I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to Paul and Stuart for their services to Ipswich over the last two-and-a-half years,” Evans told itfc.co.uk.

“I have enjoyed a healthy working relationship with Paul in our time together and he has brought a lot of positive aspects to the club.

“I know he has his thoughts on what is needed to take Ipswich forward and I respect his opinions but this year has – with the pandemic and no real income for the club – been the biggest financial challenge we have faced in my time as owner.

“It has, however, become clear after holding discussions over the last few days that there are significant differences of opinion as to the order of immediate priorities and we agreed it was best for us to part company. I would like to wish both Paul and Stuart the best in the future.”

Lambert could not stop Ipswich falling out of the Championship in April 2019 and the Suffolk side, despite making a strong start to life in the third tier, finished 11th last season when placings were determined on a points-per-game basis due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Former Wigan and Portsmouth boss Paul Cook has been linked with the Portman Road hotseat, with US investors reported to be close to buying the club.

Lambert oversaw a 2-1 victory over Doncaster on Saturday but conceded after the match that if Ipswich were taken over he would likely not remain in his post.

He said: “When a takeover generally comes in it’s 99.9 per cent I won’t be here.”