Struggling Sunderland sack Bruce
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
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Sunderland AFC chairman Ellis Short said "the time is right to make a change" after dismissing Steve Bruce as manager, with the north-east club two points above the relegation zone.
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Sunderland AFC have parted company with manager Steve Bruce following a disappointing start to the season.
Appointed in summer 2009, the 50-year-old leaves the Stadium of Light with the north-east club two points and as many places above the Premier League relegation zone after 13 games. Sunderland have won only two matches this term and just three at home this calendar year. On Saturday they were beaten 2-1 by lowly Wigan Athletic FC, Bruce's previous employers.
In a statement on the Sunderland website, chairman Ellis Short said: "Sadly results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change."
Sunderland embarked on an extensive recruitment drive in the summer, bringing in the likes of Connor Wickham, Craig Gardner, Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Nicklas Bendtner. Assistant manager Eric Black has been placed in caretaker charge.