Sunderland announce departure of Tony Mowbray

Sunderland have taken the decision to part ways with head coach Tony Mowbray.

Last season, the Black Cats reached the playoffs in their first season back in the Championship, ultimately losing to eventual winners Luton Town in the semi-finals.

On the back of that disappointment, there were rumours that the club's hierarchy were contemplating a change of direction before they opted to stick with Mowbray.

However, that near-miss with back-to-back promotions has seemingly halted Sunderland in their tracks, with the North East outfit enduring an inconsistent start to 2023-24.

Although they sit in ninth position in the Championship table with 27 points from 19 matches, they have suffered eight defeats, as well as being three games without success since the international break.

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As a result of collecting just one point from games against Plymouth Argyle, Huddersfield Town and Millwall, it was announced on Monday evening that Mowbray had been removed from his position in the dugout.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said on the club's official website: "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.

"After arriving at an uncertain time, he helped guide us to the Sky Bet Championship playoffs 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."

Mowbray departs the Stadium of Light after taking charge of 65 matches, recording 26 wins, 18 draws and 21 defeats in all competitions.

Mike Dodds will lead first-team matters alongside the current coaching team ahead of Saturday's home fixture against West Bromwich Albion.