The Saudi Arabian second-tier club Al-Qadsiah have sacked Robbie Fowler as their manager, four months after appointing the former Liverpool striker.

The 48-year-old, the eighth-highest goalscorer in the history of the Premier League and holder of England 26 caps, has been dismissed with Al-Qadsiah second in the Saudi First Division League, trailing the leaders, Al-Orobah, by one point after eight matches.

Al-Qadsiah are unbeaten in the league with six wins and two draws and their only defeat of the season came in the King Cup against Al-Taawoun, who are second in the Saudi Pro League. Fowler’s final game was a 2-0 league win on Wednesday.

“The club appreciates the coach’s efforts and professionalism during the previous period and wishes him all the success in his professional career,” Al-Qadsiah said in a statement.

Fowler has been replaced by the former Sevilla and Marseille manager Míchel, who played as a midfielder for Real Madrid and Spain. Fowler previously managed the Thai club Muangthong United, Australia’s Brisbane Roar and the Indian side East Bengal.