SUNDERLAND have dismissed their manager Phil Parkinson.
Parkinson has paid the price for a run of five matches in all competitions without a victory, with the Black Cats' boadr acting decisively in the wake of Friday's 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town.
A Sunderland statement said: "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."
Sunderland are close to completing a takeover that will see Juan Sartori and Kyril Louis-Dreyfus replace Stewart Donald as majority shareholders.
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