SUNDERLAND’S DESPERATE START to the season in the second-tier Championship cost manager Simon Grayson his job on Tuesday after a 3-3 home draw with bottom side Bolton Wanderers.
Despite Paddy McNair’s late equaliser they remained in the bottom three — a long way from the pre-season hopes of an immediate return to the Premier League — having won just once in 15 Championship matches.
Their 19-match winless home run, dating back to last December, equals the English record.
The club issued a statement almost as soon as the final whistle had sounded, confirming 47-year-old Grayson’s tenure at the club was over just four months after replacing David Moyes.
“Simon and his team have worked tirelessly to achieve the best for the football club during their time here,” read the club statement.
“While we hoped that Simon’s experience in the Football League would help us to a successful season, results have not been good enough for a club of this stature.
“In order for us to improve upon our current position we believe a fundamental change is necessary.”
© – AFP, 2017
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