The latest 2-1 home defeat by fellow strugglers Wigan on Saturday was the last straw for the club's administration and left Sunderland 16th in the English Premier League, only two points above the relegation zone.

　　"Sadly, results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change," said chairman Ellis Short in a statement released on Sunderland's official website.

　　"I would like to personally place on record my thanks to Steve 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."