Sunderland sack Michael Beale after just 12 games in charge
Sunderland have sacked head coach Michael Beale after just 64 days in charge, and probably not a moment too soon.
Beale was appointed on December 18 to replace Tony Mowbray, who lost his job two weeks prior.
It did not go well, though, with Beale losing half of his 12 games in charge, and even having to apologise to supporters after his very first match – a 0-3 home defeat to Coventry.
Beale never really recovered from that, although there were wins that followed. Sunderland beat Hull away on Boxing Day and also had good home successes over Preston, Stoke and Plymouth.
There was also a derby embarrassment in there against Newcastle, a poor away draw against the team bottom of the league, and a home defeat to Hull which saw fans vocally revolt against him.
This week appears to have been the last straw though, with defeats to Huddersfield and Birmingham - the latter against the coach he had replaced and was supposed to be an upgrade on.
Sunderland Nation now understands Mike Dodds will take charge for the rest of the season.
READ MORE SUNDERLAND NEWS
- Sunderland contract situation: Who is nearing the end of their current deal?
- Top Ten: Sunderland's best ever January signings
- Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham names two former Sunderland players as his heroes
- Jordan Willis and seven other Sunderland careers ruined by injury
- Sell to thrive, not sell to survive: The Sunderland 'model' explained - in their own words
- Luke O'Nien and eight other Sunderland players who successfully changed positions