Sunderland on Saturday sacked manager Martin O'Neill, just hours after a 1-0 defeat to Premier League leader Manchester United pushed it closer to the relegation trapdoor.

"Sunderland AFC has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O'Neill this evening," read a club statement. "The club would like to place on record its thanks to Martin and wishes him well for the future. An announcement will be made in the coming days regarding a successor."

The 61-year-old Northern Irishman was in charge at the Stadium of Light for just 16 months, having succeeded Steve Bruce in December 2011.

But Saturday's home loss to United left Sunderland just two places and only one point above the relegation zone.

Sunderland has now gone eight games without a win, picking up just two points in the process.

"There is a determination among the players that we can do it. And I'm as buoyant as I've always been," said O'Neill in the immediate aftermath of the loss. "Overall, I'm pleased with the performance and I think it bodes well. But there's always a danger that you're going to struggle for confidence and self-belief when you haven't won a long time."

AFP

(China Daily 04/01/2013 page23)