Sunderland have confirmed their manager Dick Advocaat has resigned from his managerial position at the club.
Following a string of poor performance under former manager Gus Poyet, the Black Cats showed him the exit door and the Dutchman replaced him as the manager in March 2015. He helped the club avoid relegation last season.
Things did not go as per the plan for Sunderland under Advocaat and 2-2 draw against West Ham United was his last fixture as the club’s manager.
#SAFC can confirm that Dick Advocaat has left his position as head coach with immediate effect. pic.twitter.com/Xrv0W3Bx2p
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 4, 2015
“Sunderland AFC have announced that Dick Advocaat has left his position as head coach at the club. The Dutchman informed the chairman of his decision to step down from his role and departs the Stadium of Light with immediate effect,” a statement read on club’s official website.
Advocaat has thanked everyone who has stood behind him during the tough time the club went through under his guidance.
“I want to thank everyone who has stood behind me. This is a very special football club, with so many great people, but I feel it is the right time to do this – not for me, but for the club,” the Dutchman explained.
“I have made the decision to go after only eight games as I felt it was important to give everyone time turn things around – like we did last year. I am thankful to the chairman for understanding my feelings and I remain on good terms with everyone at the club.
“I wish Ellis, Lee (Congerton), all of the staff, players and of course the supporters, who made me feel so welcome here, the very best of luck for the rest of the season. I have some wonderful memories to take with me and I hope I will return to see everybody again in the future.”
According to the Guardian, Sean Dyche, Nigel Pearson and Sam Allardyce are potential contenders to replace Advocaat at Sunderland. It should be seen when the club will appoint the Dutch manager’s successor.
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