SUNDERLAND have sacked manager Phil Parkinson just over a year after appointing him.
His dismissal comes just 13 games into the season and with the Black Cats sitting in eighth place in League One.
Parkinson looks on during Friday’s draw with FleetwoodCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Friday’s 1-1 draw at Fleetwood, which extended his side’s winless run to five games in all competitions, proved to be his last match, and he departs along with assistant Steve Parkin.
A statement from Sunderland today read: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to both Phil and Steve for their efforts during their time at SAFC.
“Preparations for Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Burton Albion will resume on Monday, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking charge of the squad.
“The board will now begin the search for a new manager and will make no further comment until this process is completed.”
Parkinson, 52, was appointed in October last year and took charge of 47 games.
He led them to eighth in last season’s curtailed League One campaign, and missed out on the chance of a play-off spot.
Parkinson leaves the side just two points off the play-off spots and five away from automatic promotion.
But five games in total without a win, including the FA Cup first round defeat at home to Mansfield, have seen the board swing the axe again.
Sunderland owner Stewart Donald is said to have agreed to sell the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
Fans have been fed up with the one-dimensional style for months as Sunderland look to end their League One nightmare at the third time of asking.
Parkinson left Bolton to replace Jack Ross at the Stadium of Light, who was sacked despite leading the club to the play-offs.
His departure followed those of Simon Grayson and then Chris Coleman, who both tried in vain to return the club to the Premier league following their 2017 relegation.
Sunderland are said to be on the verge of a takeover, with owner Stewart Donald agreeing to sell to Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
Uruguayan businessman Sartori currently owns 20 per cent of the side and is described as responsible for bringing in Louis-Dreyfus.
Louis-Dreyfus, just 22, is one of three sons of Robert Louis-Dreyfus, the former Adidas CEO and owner of Ligue 1 giants Marseille.
Sunderland remain tight-lipped but the bid is reportedly now in the hands of the Football League and their Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
Sunderland press conference is interrupted by journalist saying ‘you’re very cheeky’ after forgetting to mute mic
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
