AEK Athens have announced their decision to part company with coach Georgios Donis after just six months.

Donis took over the reins on May 14 after four years with Larissa but has struggled to help the club compete with pace-setters Olympiacos in the early part of the season, prompting AEK to end the 39-year-old's contract.

The club released a brief statement this morning which read: "AEK Athens announces the termination of coach Georgios Donis' contract by mutual consent.

"The administration of the team would like to thank Mr Donis for his work and wishes him every success in his career."

AEK, who were pipped to the title by Olympiacos last season, lie fifth in the 16-team Super League - eight points adrift of leaders Olympiacos, while the Yellows also suffered an embarrassing UEFA Cup exit at the hands of Cypriot minnows Omonia Nicosia in September.

The AEK job was Donis' first coaching role in one of Greece's 'top' clubs.

Having already picked up a Greek Cup with Larissa in 2007, his appointment gave AEK high expectations for the 2008/09 campaign.

However, the former Greece international's reign has come to an end after just 10 league matches in a season which has also seen club president Demis Nikolaidis step down following heavy criticism from supporters over the team's indifferent displays.

Another former AEK player, Nikos Kostenoglou - who took over as a caretaker manager following the sacking of Spanish coach Lorenzo Sera Ferrer midway through last term - is the favourite to land the job.