BILLY McKINLAY has severed his ties with Sunderland, leaving Robbie Stockdale in sole caretaker charge of the club.

McKinlay had been working alongside Stockdale in a joint caretaker capacity following the dismissal of Simon Grayson.

However, the former Scotland international has opted to leave his position on Wearside in order to join David Moyes' coaching staff at West Ham United.

Moyes appointed McKinlay during his unsuccessful reign at the Stadium of Light, and the pair will now be reunited at the London Stadium.

McKinlay did not have a formal contract with the Black Cats, so he does not have to serve a notice period and Sunderland will not be due any compensation following his departure.

His exit adds the current instability surrounding Sunderland, but Stockdale remains in position and will now take charge of training on Monday morning.

The former full-back assumes sole caretaker charge, and could yet find himself leading the Black Cats into Saturday's Championship home game with Millwall.

Chief executive Martin Bain continues to search for a permanent successor to Grayson, but is still to make a formal approach to anyone despite Sunderland having been without a permanent manager for almost a fortnight.