Dick Advocaat resigned as Sunderland Football Club of England manager on Sunday, the club has confirmed.
The Dutchman, who had masterminded Sunderland’s great escape last season, steps down with immediate effect, with the club second-bottom in the Premier League and without a win this season.
“I want to thank everyone who has stood behind me,” Advocaat said in a statement.
“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 turn things around – like we did last year,” he added.