Sunderland are in turmoil after Dick Advocaat’s much-rumoured resignation was confirmed on Sunday. The 68-year-old Dutch coach informed Ellis Short, the club’s owner, of his intention to step down last week and said his farewells to his players after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with West Ham at the Stadium of Light.
Short is now working through a hastily compiled shortlist as he seeks his sixth manager in four years, while coping with the added complication of Lee Congerton, his sporting director, also having tendered his resignation.
For the moment Congerton remains at the club, apparently working out a notice period as Sunderland consider the assorted merits of, among other potential replacements, Sam Allardyce, Sean Dyche and Nigel Pearson.
Before Advocaat was persuaded to reverse a decision to retire in June Burnley’s Dyche had established himself as the frontrunner to take over on Wearside. Four months on things are less straightforward with Short now seemingly drawn to Allardyce’s record of avoiding relegation – although the former West Ham manager may take some convincing to break a sabbatical and return to the club where he briefly played at centre-half.
Like Congerton Advocaat became disillusioned with the Sunderland owner’s failure to invest in radically remodelling an ageing, slow, squad this summer and, with the team still to win a Premier League game this season, has opted to bow out before his stellar reputation becomes tarnished. His assistant, Zelijko Petrovic, has also departed.
Yet after presiding over a miraculous escape from relegation last spring, Advocaat leaves on amicable terms, with all parties hoping that his successor has enough time to keep Sunderland out of the Championship.
“I want to thank everyone who has stood behind me,” said Advocaat who flew home to the Netherlands on Saturday night after cancelling a scheduled training session on Sunday morning. “This is a very special football club, with so many great people, but I feel it is the right time to do this – not for me but for the club.
“I have made the decision to go after only eight games as I felt it was important to give everyone time to turn things around. I am thankful to the chairman for understanding my feelings and I remain on good terms with everyone at the club. I have some wonderful memories to take with me and I hope I will return to see everybody again in the future.”
Short is absorbing the body blow. “I am truly saddened by Dick’s decision but I respect him for his honesty and for doing what he feels is right for the club,” said Sunderland’s owner.
“He is a man of integrity and a true football person. He was hugely respectful of the club in taking this decision and he acted 100% in our best interests. It is also testament to his character that he has forgone any kind of a financial settlement, something which is very unusual in football.
“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Dick. He will be remembered with great affection by everyone at Sunderland and there will always be a warm welcome for him here at the Stadium of Light.”