04 December 2023 , 22:34
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Sunderland have sacked manager Tony Mowbray despite only sitting three points outside the Championship play-offs.
Saturday's draw at Millwall proved to be the final game for Mowbray, who has been dismissed after 16 months at the Stadium of Light. He had led the Black Cats to sixth place last term, losing to Luton in the play-offs, and they were tipped to challenge once again.
Sunderland were as high as fourth back in October, winning six of their opening ten games. Since then though Mowbray has only overseen two wins in nine. He has been followed out of the door by his assistant Mark Venus.
Mike Dodds will lead the first-team as the search for a new boss begins. Sunderland host West Brom at the Stadium of Light at the weekend. They will also renew their north east rivalry with Newcastle in the FA Cup next month.
Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said on the decision: “All at SAFC have thoroughly enjoyed working with Tony and he is quite rightly held in high regard by our players and staff, and our supporters.
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"After arriving at an uncertain time, he helped guide us to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs and played an important role in developing our team. This was a difficult decision to make, but we remain loyal to our ambition and our strategy, and felt that now was the right moment to take this step.
“We are now focused on identifying the right candidate and we will continue to support our coaching team and players throughout the interim period.”
The draw at Millwall proved to be Mowbray's final gameChairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus added: “I would like to place on record my gratitude to Tony for his hard work and commitment to Sunderland, a place where he will always be welcome.
“As custodians of our great club, we believe in our long-term strategy that we hope will ensure sustainability and success for SAFC. Central to that approach is a relentless demand for a high performance culture to be implemented throughout the Club and the development of a strong playing identity that you, our loyal supporters, can all be proud of.
“Your continued support will also be fundamental to that progress and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Stadium of Light throughout the festive period and as we enter 2024.”