Sydney FC has reportedly sacked coach Terry Butcher following the club's disappointing exit from the A-League finals.

The former England international, who has been under pressure to keep his job for much of the season, is expected to receive a $250,000 payout after having his two-year contract cut short after just one season.

Sydney FC won the inaugural A-League title under German Pierre Littbarski last season, but finished a disappointing fourth under Butcher after losing to Newcastle in the minor semi-final last Friday.

Media reports claim Sydney could confirm Butcher's departure as early as Thursday.

Several candidates are in the frame to succeed the Englishman, although the club will have to act quickly to have someone at the helm for Sydney's opening Asian Champions League clash in Shanghai on March 7.

Team conditioner Anthony Crea and goalkeeping coach Jim Fraser are expected to take over training duties when the players return to practice on Monday.

Former NSL coach and current Soccer NSW technical director Branko Culina has been touted as a possible short-term replacement for the Champions League.

Culina is also a long-term prospect, with Socceroos boss Graham Arnold and Adelaide United's John Kosmina other leading figures mentioned.

Also believed to be in the frame is Italian great Gianfranco Zola, former Queensland Roar coach Miron Bleiberg and former Marconi and Newcastle coach Jean-Paul de Maringy.

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