Reid sacked by Sunderland

Manager Peter Reid has been sacked by Sunderland AFC after more than seven years in charge, following the side's disappointing start to the English Premiership campaign.

Six-times English champions
Sunderland, six-times English champions before the second world war, finished one place above the relegation zone last season and currently lie fourth from bottom with just two wins from their opening nine matches of the season. A statement on Sunderland's website said that "the board [of directors] has decided it is in the best interests of the club to seek a change of direction".

Increasing pressure
Reid, the former England midfield player who took over at the Stadium of Light in March 1995, had come under increasing pressure after a gradual decline in the club's fortunes. He is the first Premiership managerial casualty of the season.

'Wrong end of the table'
"Nearly a quarter of the season has gone and we are at the wrong end of the table and can't wait any longer for performances to improve," said chairman Bob Murray.

Cup winners
Sunderland, who have also won the FA Cup twice, appeared in the 1973/74 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Sporting Clube de Portugal in the second round.