Dick Advocaat has resigned as Sunderland manager following yesterday's 2-2 Premier League draw at home against West Ham United.
After the game at the Stadium of Light, Advocaat refused to confirm or deny whether he would be in charge at the club for their next match, after the international break. There had been fierce speculation that Advocaat was on the verge of leaving the club, but few concrete comments from the Black Cats.
Now his departure has been confirmed and Advocaat has resigned from his post, despite signing a one-year contract in the summer.
He told the club's site: "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", the 68-year-old continued.
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"I am thankful to the chairman for understanding my feelings and I remain on good terms with everyone at the club."
The Black Cats now start the search for Advocaat's successor and the Dutchman leaves the side sitting second bottom of the Premier League table with three points from eight matches.
Advocaat's assistant at Sunderland, Zeljko Petrovic, has also departed the club.
