DICK ADVOCAAT has hinted for the first time that he has considered his position as Sunderland head coach by confirming he has made a decision on his future at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats boss, whose side drew 2-2 with West Ham United this afternoon after letting a two-goal lead slip, was once again non-committal when he was asked to clear up the uncertainty in his post-match press conference.

But, after 48 hours of suggestions he is about to walk away from his job, he revealed he had already made up his mind before Sunderland’s winless start to the Premier League season was extended to eight matches.

There is a growing belief he is ready to walkaway from the role he first accepted in March; when he led Sunderland to survival. He was then persuaded to stay for a further 12 months by owner Ellis Short.

When he was asked if he could clear up his future, Advocaat said: “No. I don’t want to discuss my own future. You will hear one way or the other. Let’s wait and see.”

He added: “It (my future) has nothing to do with this game. I have made a decision on my future.”

Sunderland turned in their best performance of the season and goals from Steven Fletcher and Jeremain Lens secured a two-goal cushion inside 22 minutes.

They then created numerous other chances in an exciting first half display, but West Ham pulled one back in stoppage-time before the break through Carl Jenkinson.

After Lens was red carded for a second caution in the 57th minute, West Ham levelled things up on the hour when Dimitri Payet, who could have been offside, made the most of a mistake from Costel Pantilimon.

There were no further goals, ensuring Sunderland climbed off the foot of the table and above Newcastle on goal difference. It remains to be seen, though, whether Advocaat will be in charge after the international break although the odds are now heavily stacked against that.

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic said: “I told him to stay. First of all I feel sorry for all of the managers because of the pressure they are under from the media and everything.

“I know Dick, I am a big admirer, if he goes the Premier League will miss him. I told him that I would really like him to stay. It would be a shame if he goes. I really hope that he stays.”