Dick Advocaat leaves role as Sunderland head coach

Sunderland have confirmed that head coach Dick Advocaat has left the club.

Sunderland moved off the foot of the table on goal difference after Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Ham, but Advocaat had reportedly already decided to leave the Stadium of Light going into the match.

Speaking on Saturday, he confirmed he had already decided his future but refused to say whether he would leave, adding: "Today I am the manager. What will happen in the next weeks, months, I cannot say."

However, the club announced on Sunday that the Dutchman had decided to end his reign, with assistant head coach Zeljko Petrovic also departing.

Advocaat told the club's official website: "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.

"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 [chairman Ellis Short and sporting director 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."

Short added: "I am truly saddened by Dick's decision, but I respect him for his honesty and for doing what he feels is right for the club.

"He is a man of integrity and a true football person. He was hugely respectful of the club in taking this decision and he acted 100 percent in our best interests. It is also testament to his character that he has forgone any kind of a financial settlement, something which is very unusual in football.

"I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Dick. He will be remembered with great affection by everyone at Sunderland and there will always be a warm welcome for him here at the Stadium of Light.

"While this isn't a situation any of us envisaged being in, what is important now is that we regroup quickly and focus on the rest of the season."

The 68-year-old had initially taken charge of Sunderland on a short-term deal in March and guided the club to Premier League safety but, though he planned to retire, he was persuaded to sign a one-year contract to lead the club into the 2015-16 campaign.

**espn 

WEARSIDE WOES - SUNDERLAND 2015-16 PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS SO FAR

Saturday 8 August - Leicester City (A)  - LOST 4-2

Saturday 15 August - Norwich (H) - LOST 3-1 

Saturday 22 August - Swansea (H) - DREW 1-1 

Saturday 29 August - Aston Villa (A) - DREW 2-2 

Sunday 13 September  - Tottenham (H) LOST 1-0

Saturday 19 September  - Bournemouth (A) LOST 2-0 

Saturday 26 September - Man United (A) LOST 3-0  

Saturday 3 October - West Ham (H) DREW 2-2

Sunderland players celebrate Steven Fletcher's early goal as the home side start brightly against West Ham

**DailyMail