Manly have sacked coach Geoff Toovey with a year to run on his contract, with Trent Barrett to take over at the NRL club next season.

After months of speculation the Sea Eagles confirmed on Tuesday that Toovey would not be with the club in 2016.

The Manly legend will see out the rest of the season at Brookvale, with the club saying he will be paid out in full for the final year of his contract.

Toovey wasn’t quoted in the club media release confirming the move, with club chief executive Joe Kelly thanking the club legend for his four seasons at the helm.

“Geoff has been an influential figure within the Sea Eagles organisation for almost three decades. His contribution on and off the field is unprecedented, and he will always be one of the club’s favourite sons,” Kelly said.

“Geoff and the club remain firmly committed to finishing this season off on the highest possible note.”

Chairman Scott Penn indicated the sacking of Toovey would be just a number of changes at Brookvale ahead of the 2016 NRL season, amid reports 14 players will be shown the door at the end of the year.

“This has been an intense and thorough process to ensure the long term future and ongoing success of the club,” Penn said.

“Significant changes will be occurring. These changes won’t take away from the success the club has enjoyed, but will help reinforce the foundation for a successful future. We are excited about 2016 and beyond.”

Toovey has taken Manly to a preliminary final, a grand final and a semi-final since taking over from Des Hasler in 2012.

Former NRL playmaker Barrett has no head coaching experience but has worked as an assistant to Ivan Cleary at Penrith and headed up NSW Country since 2012.

Manly did not hold a press conference to announce the news, but Toovey and a number of senior players will speak to the media on Wednesday.

The Sea Eagles need to win six of their remaining seven games this season to qualify for the final series.

They host Brisbane at Central Coast Stadium on Saturday night.