Sunderland have sacked manager, Michael Beale after just 12 matches in charge of the club.
Beale replaced Tony Mowbray in mid December on a two-and-a-half year deal and has led the club to just four wins and 14 points in 11 league matches in charge – which has left them sat tenth in the Championship and four points off the play-off spots.
Away defeats to Huddersfield and Birmingham City however proved the final straw for club bosses who decided that a fresh managerial appointment is needed, amidst unrest amongst supporters over Beale’s performance as manager.
The ex QPR manager also oversaw the Black Cats’ lacklustre 3-0 Third Round exit in the FA Cup at home to local rivals, Newcastle in the Wear-Tyne derby in early January.
Sunderland’s Sporting Director, Kristjaan Speakman issued the following statement on Beale’s exit: “We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland AFC. Our desire is to improve and unfortunately that hasn’t been evident, as such we take full accountability and feel that acting decisively is in the best interests of the Club.
This has been a difficult few months for Michael, who leaves with our best wishes for the future.
Mike Dodds has been appointed as interim manager until end of season, having previously taken charge earlier this season following Mowbray’s departure, during which he oversaw home wins over West Brom and Leeds plus a narrow defeat at Bristol City.
Speakman added: “Our focus is now on the players and supporting Mike Dodds in the remaining games to ensure we achieve the highest possible league finish. We will be updating our supporters further as and when significant developments are made.”
Mowbray meanwhile earlier announced that he has stepped down temporarily as manager of Birmingham City to undergo treatment for a medical issue, having taken over at St Andrew’s in early January.
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