The writing has been on the wall all week, but it’s now finally official: Dick Advocaat has quit as Sunderland manager.
The Dutchman had been coy about his future all week in his press conferences, but the BBC have now reported that he has left the North-East club after failing to win a game this season.
Sunderland sit in the Premier League’s relegation zone having played eight games, and sit second bottom ahead only of bitter rivals Newcastle on goal difference – be thankful, Sunderland fans, for small mercies.
The Black Cats, however, have looked better in recent weeks. The opening few games of the season were almost farcical to watch as Sunderland shipped goal after goal from defensive error or individual mistake. But since the deadline day, Advocaat’s side have looked better, but after throwing away a two-goal lead against West Ham at the weekend, they are still in search of their first win of the season.
Per the BBC Advocaat said, “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.”
After having saved Sunderland from relegation last season, Advocaat follows in the footsteps of his two direct predecessors, Gus Poyet and Paolo Di Canio who also saved the club from relegation and then suffered poor starts to the next campaign.
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