Xerez have sacked coach Jose Angel Ziganda.

Xerez, playing in the top flight for the first time in their 62-year history, are currently rooted to the foot of the table with just seven points and seven goals from their 17 games so far.

That has left the Andalusian club six points behind 19th-placed Real Zaragoza and eight points adrift of 17th-placed Tenerife and safety, and the Xerez board tonight decided it was time to make a change.

A statement on the club's website said: "Xerez announce that, due to the sporting situation the first-team squad is going through, they have decided to dismiss coach Jose Angel Ziganda.

"Antonio Poyatos, the technical secretary of the club, will take charge of the first-team squad on an interim basis until the arrival of a new coach."

Ziganda, the former Osasuna boss, had taken charge of Xerez on a one-year deal last summer after Esteban Vigo had left the club soon after leading them to the Segunda Division title.

Xerez, who have lost their last six matches and have won just once all season, are away to fellow promoted side Zaragoza this weekend.