Sunderland, United Kingdom: Dick Advocaat has stepped down as head coach of Sunderland, the Premier League strugglers announced on Sunday.
Advocaat, 68, was appointed last March and successfully steered Sunderland clear of relegation, but they have made a poor start to the current campaign and sit second-bottom with three points from eight games.
“I want to thank everyone who has stood behind me,” Advocaat said in a statement released by the club.
“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.”
Reports on Saturday morning claimed Advocaat would resign over the weekend because he feels let down by owner Ellis Short’s failure to back him in the transfer market.
The 68-year-old appeared emotional on the touchline as 10-man Sunderland squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against West Ham at the Stadium of Light to leave them languishing in the relegation zone.
Quizzed at the post-match press conference about the speculation that it was his final game in charge, Advocaat’s response suggested he had decided to quit, although he refused to confirm that was the case.
Advocaat saved Sunderland from relegation last season after arriving as interim manager in March and was persuaded to reverse his decision to retire at the end of the campaign.
But, once he returned for another season in charge, the former Netherlands and Glasgow Rangers boss became troubled by Short’s unwillingness to make available the funds Advocaat believed were essential to avoid another relegation battle.
Advocaat’s fears have proved correct as Sunderland slipped into the bottom three without a win in their first eight league games.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose club were relegated from the Premier League last season, has been strongly linked with Advocaat’s job.
