Women's Super League strugglers Brighton and boss Jens Scheuer have parted company by mutual consent.

Amy Merricks, supported by Perry Northeast, will take interim charge for Wednesday's league match at champions Chelsea.

Seagulls technical director David Weir said: "Together with Jens, we've not reached this decision lightly. 

"While we appreciate he has given his all in the role, this feels like the right step forward for all parties involved. 

"We would like to thank Jens for his efforts and, on behalf of everyone at the club, we wish him well for the future."

Scheuer, 44, succeeded Hope Powell in late December. He took charge of the team for the first time on January 15, when they lost 3-0 at Leicester. 

Despite having an FA Cup quarter-final at Birmingham to look forward to later this month, the Seagulls have picked up just two points from their last five WSL games and currently sit second bottom on eight points. 

They lost two and drew one of three league outings under former Bayern Munich coach Scheuer, inlcuding a humiliating 6-2 home defeat to Aston Villa.

After the trip to Chelsea, the South Coast side host title-chasing Manchester City on Sunday.