Advocaat apparently decided he could take the club no further due to the lack of quality available to him on the pitch, and informed the club's American owner Ellis Short that it was better for him to go early in the season. His assistant head coach Zeljko Petrovic has also left the club.
"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," said Advocaat.
“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.
Ellis Short, Sunderland owner (PA Photos) - PA Photos
“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.”
Sean Dyche and Nigel Pearson are being lined up to replace Advocaat, who has resigned after seven months, according to media reports.
Former West Ham manager Sam Allarydce is also in the frame to be Sunderland's fourth manager in two years, according to the Daily Telegraph.
“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," said Ellis Short.
"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% 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.”
Burnley manager Dyche was apparently favourite for the job until Advocaat did a U-turn over the summer to remain at the Stadium of Light.
Nigel Pearson has guided Leicester to survival despite being bottom at Christmas - PA Sport
Sunderland are apparently also considering Pearson, who has since lost his job at Leicester despite keeping the Foxes in the Premier League last season.
Sunderland are second bottom of the standings after squandering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with West Ham on Saturday.
Sunderland looked as if they were heading for their first league win of the season before having goalscorer JermainLens sent off in the second half and allowing the Hammers to leave the Stadium of Light with a point after a 2-2 draw.
Asked at the post-match news conference if he had decided on his future, the former Netherlands manager replied "yes" but declined to say what that decision was.
0 comments:
Post a Comment