Dick Advocaat has announced he will stand down as Sunderland manager after guiding them to Premier League safety
The Dutch coach was appointed in mid March with the side lying 17th in the table after dismissing previous manager Gus Poyet.
He managed to win three of his games in charge with the highlight being a home victory over North East neighbours Newcastle.
Safety was confirmed after a gutsy away draw with Arsenal which left Advocaat in visible tears of joy.
The departure means Sunderland will now be on the look out for their fifth manager in the last fours years, sparking instant reports that Sam Allardyce could take charge after leaving West Ham United last week.
Only Steve Bruce and Gus Poyet have managed see out a full season in charge since 2011.
Writers View: I think this was pretty inevitable given Advocaat’s age. Managing a full season with Sunderland is a big task and I think a younger manager is what they need to progress into a mid table outfit