With less than 10 minutes remaining Robert Snodgrass is off to kick up his heels for Aston Villa. Off the bench comes Birkir Bjarnason as a replacement.

Before his departure from Birmingham City was announced, here's what Harry Redknapp told the press after today's defeat by Preston North End:

"We have got to lift ourselves. There is a team waiting to gel but we have suffered several injuries to key players.

"Fans deserve better and that was my motivation to carry on this season.

"I do not come to work because I need the money, I enjoy the job and leaving home at 5.15 every morning. I would love to be the manager to bring some success to Birmingham."

Scott Hogan has picked up where Keinan Davis left off, making an nuisance of himself.

He quickly finds his feet with some probing runs down the left.

Then, with a quick burst into the box and nice footwork he sends defender Adam Jackson the wrong way and forces Adam Davies into a near post save.

Goalscorer Keinan Davis has put in one busy shift this evening, and he really looks it as he comes off slowly to be replaced by Scott Hogan.

Image source, Rex Features

In the meantime, here's some more background on why Birmingham, who were beaten at home by Preston today, have parted company with Harry Redknapp...

Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom makes his third and final change, with Tom Bradshaw making way for Mamadou Thiam, a summer addition from French Ligue 1 Dijon who is yet to score for the Tykes. It would be a mighty good time to open it account.

Although we're still waiting for an official statement from Blues, according to the club's Twitter page Lee Carsley is to step in as caretaker boss.

Ben Redshaw: As a Villian I didn't think Harry make it to Xmas, sad to see him go, he was doing us a huge favour at the Blues!!

Matt Price: as good as Redknapp is, it's clear that his tactics/style of play are not as good as they were. not sure who could replace though

Joe Taylor: Absolute joke. 2 games after transfer window closes and he gets binned. Not given a chance

Mark: Very strange, don't see why Harry would leave with only 3 games gone with his 'new' squad, could be a sacking but also seems strange

Aston Villa are slowing the tempo of the match right down now.

Barnsley really are faced with a mammoth task if they are to come away with something.

With that in mind, they have missed a golden chance to pull one back. Adam Hammill floats a beautiful cross in for Ike Ugbo, who can only nod the ball into the waiting arms of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

Image source, Getty Images

Unlike Birmingham's website, Chesterfield's homepage appears in rather better working order.

Regarding the departure of Gary Caldwell, Spireites director and company secretary Ashley Carson said: "Gary has worked very hard during his time at the club, but we find ourselves in a lowly position after providing him with substantial backing in the transfer market.

"After making a very poor start to the season, we feel that now is the time to appoint a new manager to bring about a change in fortunes."

Chesterfield have won just one of their opening 10 games this season and lost 2-1 at home to Accrington today.

As with the Harry Redknapp news, we welcome your reaction via #bbcefl on Twitter.

Goodness, there have been more managerial sackings in the English Football League this evening than shots Barnsley have managed to get on goal.

The Tykes have mustered exactly zero, while Birmingham City have sacked Harry Redknapp and Gary Caldwell has parted company with Chesterfield.

Oh my word, let sacking season commence!

We're now hearing that Gary Caldwell has been sacked by Chesterfield after eight months in charge. More on that as we get it too.

While we continue to scramble around for more details surrounding Harry Redknapp's departure from Birmingham City, we'd like to hear your thoughts on the first casualty of the Championship season.

The right decision? Is that Redknapp's managerial career over? Who next for Blues?

Get in touch by using #bbcefl on Twitter.

Jonathan Kodjia's night comes to an end. The forward sees out a solid hour in his first start of the season.

He is replaced by Josh Onomah.

That third goal has restored a real sense of urgency into this match.

Aston Villa press for a fourth and Barnsley are desperate to find a lineline back into this match.

Image source, Getty Images

With the Birmingham City website very conveniently temporarily out of action, we're still waiting for a full statement from Blues.

However, for background, Birmingham have lost six in a row and are currently sitting in the Championship relegation zone.

Redknapp, 70, took charge of the club with three games remaining last term, winning the final two games to avoid relegation on the final day.

The former Tottenham and Portsmouth boss then signed a one-year deal to stay on as Blues boss in May.

The Championship club signed 14 players during the summer transfer window.

Some breaking news just coming to us, Birmingham City have parted company with manager Harry Redknapp.

More to follow.

Barnsley's Ike Ugbo winds up and tries to blast an effort on goal from distance.

But the on loan Chelsea man has his shot blocked authoritatively by John Terry, the former Chelsea captain!

Jonathan Kodjia springs free and is through on goal... flag goes up, offside!

There wasn't much in it as Kodjia runs onto a neatly slipped through ball by Keinan Davis. Ominous.