SUNDERLAND have parted company with Richard Hill and Tony Coton.

Hill is leaving his position as the Black Cats' head of football operations, while Coton is vacating his role as the head of recruitment.

The pair have been heavily criticised in the last 12 months as Sunderland have failed to win promotion from League One.

Their exits form part of a wider shake-up behind the scenes which has also seen Paul Reid moved on from his position as the head of Sunderland's academy.

A Sunderland statement said: "Sunderland AFC can this evening confirm that Richard Hill and Tony Coton have left the club with immediate effect.

"Both joined SAFC in 2018, undertaking the roles of Head of Football Operations and Head of Recruitment, respectively.

"The board would like to place on record its gratitude to both Richard and Tony for their contribution and dedication over the past two years.

"All at SAFC wish them well in their future endeavours."