SUNDERLAND HAVE SACKED manager Jack Ross following a 2-0 defeat at Lincoln City which left the Black Cats sixth in the League One table.

Ross took over at the Stadium of Light in May last year and led them to the finals of the EFL Trophy and League One play-offs last season, only to lose both deciders to Portsmouth and Chartlon respectively.

Sunderland have lost just two of their 14 games in all competitions this season but were booed off by a portion of their fans following their 2-0 reversal at Sincil Bank on Saturday. Per Opta, in the top four tiers of English football only Liverpool (one) and Manchester City (six) have lost fewer league games — play-offs excluded — than Sunderland (seven) since Ross was appointed ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Sunderland chairman Stewart Donald told the club website: “This is a decision that has been made with a heavy heart.”

“When we arrived at the club 18 months ago, we appointed Jack because we felt that he was the right man to take Sunderland forward over a number of years,” Donald added.

“Jack has worked extremely hard, and has helped us achieve stability at the club, and I sincerely thank him for his efforts. I hope and believe that he will go on to have a successful career in management.”

Ross’ now-former assistant James Fowler will take the reins for Tuesday’s Leasing.com Trophy game against Grimsby.

Former Alloa and St Mirren manager Ross had guided Sunderland to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, dumping out Premier League outfits Burnley and Sheffield United in the process.