Advocaat leaves Sunderland

 

Dick Advocaat has left his position as manager of Sunderland just a few months after extending his contract with the club.

The 68 year old guided the Black Cats to Premier League survival at the end of last season after a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal, but decided to stay at the Stadium of Light despite saying he would quit at the end of the season.

But a poor start to the season which includes just one win in a League Cup tie against Exeter has seen the pressure mount, and the Dutchman has left with immediate effect.

 

 

The appointment of the former Netherlands head coach in back in March was greeted with huge optimism, and he guided the club to safety with the Black Cats just one point above the drop prior to his arrival.

He succeeded with avoiding the drop, then signed another one year deal with the north east club, but failure to win this season in their opening eight games hasn’t been good enough.

Advocaat was Sunderland’s fifth manager in four years. After Steve Bruce was sacked at the end of 2011, Martin O’Neill, Paolo di Canio and Gus Poyet have all taken charge, with the latter two also saving the club from relegation before leaving early next season.

“I have made the decision to go after only eight games as I felt it was important to give everyone time to turn things around,” said Advocaat. 

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short said: “I am truly saddened by Dick’s decision, but I respect him for his honesty.

“It is also testament to his character that he has foregone any kind of a financial settlement, something which is very unusual in football.”