Sunderland end McCarthy reign
Monday, March 6, 2006
Article summary
Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has been relieved of his post with the club bottom of the English Premiership having not won a league game at home.
Article body
Sunderland AFC have ended the reign of manager Mick McCarthy with the club adrift at the foot of the English Premiership and without a home league win all season.
Adrift of safety
The 47-year-old former Republic of Ireland manager, who took over at Sunderland in March 2003 as they struggled in vain to preserve their top-flight status, led the northeast side to promotion as champions last term. However, yesterday's 2-1 defeat at Manchester City FC left Sunderland 16 points adrift of safety with only ten games left.
Caretaker
Youth coach Kevin Ball has been appointed caretaker manager. A club statement read: "It was agreed it is in the best interests of both parties for Mick McCarthy to leave immediately. The club will make a decision regarding a permanent appointment at a later date."
'Taking our time'
Chairman Bob Murray added: "The club did not return to the Premiership to make up the numbers and while we fully expected it to be a tough first season back, none of us expected to be in the position we are today. We will be taking our time to appoint a successor for what will be another very important season in 2006."
