Advocaat departs Sunderland
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Dick Advocaat has stepped down as head coach at English Premier League side Sunderland, leaving the club looking for a new manager just eight games into the current domestic campaign. Advocaat was appointed in March, and guided the side clear of relegation, but a poor start to the season has seen the Black Cats slide to second-from-bottom in the league.
The club announced the news in a statement a day after Advocaat's final game in charge, a 2-2 draw with West Ham United.
"Sunderland AFC have announced that Dick Advocaat has left his position as head coach at the club," the statement read. "The Dutchman informed the chairman of his decision to step down from his role and departs the Stadium of Light with immediate effect."
The Dutchman departs Sunderland, his first club job in England, after seven months in charge, in which he guided the side to safety following the dismissal of his predecessor Gus Poyet.
"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," Advocaat told the club's official website. "I have made the decision to go after only eight games as I felt it was important to give everyone time turn things around - like we did last year. I am thankful to the chairman (Ellis Short) 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 admitted he was "saddened" by the decision, and also revealed the former Netherlands, Korea Republic and Russia manager "has foregone any kind of a financial settlement."
The 68-year-old, who has won league titles in his homeland, Russia and Scotland, initially performed a U-turn on his decision to retire at the end of the 2014/15 Premier League season, signing a one-year deal with the Black Cats in June.