Ian Crook has formally resigned as coach of Sydney FC this morning in the wake of last night's dramatic 3-2 defeat at the hands of Melbourne Victory.
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The Sky Blues boss was abused by fans at the end of the match after Sydney conceded three goals in the final 13 minutes to squander what looked like a certain win against their most hated rivals.
Crook had come under fire for the manner in which Sydney had played the previous week as they lost 7-2 to a rampaging Central Coast outfit in Gosford and found himself under considerable pressure going in to last night's match.
The former Norwich star managed to guide Sydney to two wins this season - a derby victory over the Western Sydney Wanderers and a lucky result against Perth Glory at ANZ Stadium - but otherwise suffered four defeats to leave the side struggling after six matches.
Crook has been a long-time backroom favourite at Sydney, having been the assistant coach to Pierre Littbarski when they won the championship in season one of the A-League and then taking the reigns of the youth team where he was praised for his work in developing players.
After Vitezslav Lavicka was moved on by the club's board last season, Crook waited until the last moment before eventually deciding to apply, eventually being selected to take over from the Czech. Following his resignation it is now expected assistant coach Steve Corica will take the reigns on a temporary basis, starting with next Friday's match against Brisbane in Suncorp Stadium - scene of the infamous clash between the two sides last season.
Club chief executive Tony Pignata has called a press conference for 2pm today at Allianz Stadium where Crook will officially announce his departure.
The search for a new head coach - the club's seventh manager in as many years - will commence immediately.