Sunderland confirm exit of manager Dick Advocaat

DICK Advocaat has left his job as Sunderland’s head coach just four months after being persuaded to delay his retirement plans for a year.
Former Rangers boss Advocaat oversaw his last game in charge of Sunderland yesterday as the club drew 2-2 with West Ham United. Picture: PAFormer Rangers boss Advocaat oversaw his last game in charge of Sunderland yesterday as the club drew 2-2 with West Ham United. Picture: PA
Former Rangers boss Advocaat oversaw his last game in charge of Sunderland yesterday as the club drew 2-2 with West Ham United. Picture: PA

The 68-year-old Dutchman, who was parachuted in to mastermind a nine-game rescue mission at the end of the last campaign, has walked away with the club sitting in 19th place in the Barclays Premier League on three points after winning none of their opening eight fixtures following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with West Ham at the Stadium of Light.

Advocaat’s departure was confirmed in a club statement which said: “Sunderland AFC has 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.”