JUST IN: Sunderland sack Steve Bruce

According to latest reports, Sunderland have parted company with Steve Bruce today evening. With this, Bruce became the first manager to be sacked this season, with 2 wins in 13 games.

In an official club statement, chairman Ellis Short said,

“It is my job to act in the best interests of our football club and I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly. Sadly results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change.”

“Steve has acted with honesty and integrity throughout, which is testament to the character and commitment he has shown during his time at Sunderland,” Short added.

“I would like to personally place on record my thanks to him for his significant contribution to our football club over the past two and a half years and everyone here at Sunderland naturally wishes him the very best for the future.

“I would also like to thank our fans, who have endured a trying start to the season. Their support continues to be the driving force behind our club and is vital as we now look to the future.”

Steve Bruce joined Sunderland in 2009 from Wigan Athletic, and helped them secure tenth position last year. He bought 11 players over the summer, but wasn’t able to revamp the team, and probably was out of ideas to stop the slide.

The club will now begin its search for a new manager and will make a further announcement in due course. Assistant manager Eric Black will take charge of first-team duties in the interim period.