Sunderland sack Phil Parkinson as ex-Middlesbrough and Bolton defender takes temporary charge

Sunderland have parted company with manager Phil Parkinson.
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The 1-1 draw with Fleetwood Town on Friday night extended the club’s winless run in all competitions to five games, and left the Black Cats seventh in the table.

Assistant Steve Parkin has also left his role, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor set to take the game against Burton Albion at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night.

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A statement from the club said that the next appointment would be made by the current board, and that no further comment would be made until this process is completed.

Phil Parkinson has left his role as Sunderland managerPhil Parkinson has left his role as Sunderland manager
Phil Parkinson has left his role as Sunderland manager

The club are understood to be on the brink of an ownership change, with Stewart Donald’s majority shareholding set to pass to a consortium led by Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.

It is not clear yet whether Louis-Dreyfus will be assume full control himself.

The Black Cats are currently five points off Peterborough United in second place, having played a game less.

The club statement in full

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Sunderland AFC has today parted company with manager Phil Parkinson.

The 52-year-old was appointed in October 2019, overseeing a total of 47 matches during his 13 months at the Stadium of Light.

Assistant manager Steve Parkin also departs, and the club would like to place on record its thanks to both Phil and Steve for their efforts during their time at SAFC.

Preparations for Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Burton Albion will resume on Monday, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking charge of the squad.

The board will now begin the search for a new manager and will make no further comment until this process is completed.