Tranmere today sacked Barnes and his assistant Jason McAteer.
Former Mackem McAteer was never the brightest button in the box, as Sunderland chairman Nial Quinn confirms:
"We went to pizza place in Durham after training when we were both Sunderland players. The shop assistant asked Jason if he wanted the pizza cutting into four or eight pieces.
"Jason replied: 'FOUR .... I cannot eat eight!'"
The duo took charge at Prenton Park in June, but a run of just two league wins from 11 matches has left Rovers languishing 22nd in League One.
Chairman Peter Johnson: "Unfortunately results have not gone our way this season and we are at the wrong end of the table.
"We must now focus on finding the best possible candidate to help us climb the division.
"I urge all supporters to get behind Les, Shaun and the team on Monday night when we play at home to Stockport County."