Sunderland have sacked manager Phil Parkinson after just over one year at the Wearside club, with the Mackems in eighth place in League One.
Parkinson took over Sunderland after Jack Ross' similarly-stunted reign at the Stadium of Light, so memorably-documented in 'Sunderland 'Til I Die'.
The club are rumoured to be close to a takeover by current director Juan Sartori, with French energy heir Kyril Louis-Dreyfus apparently considering a majority sharehold.
Phil Parkinson
The club released a typically-undramatic statement confirming the news on Sunday.
"Sunderland AFC has today parted company with manager Phil Parkinson," the statement read.
"The 52-year-old was appointed in October 2019, overseeing a total of 47 matches during his 13 months at the Stadium of Light.
"Assistant manager Steve Parkin also departs, and the club would like to place on record its thanks to both Phil and Steve for their efforts during their time at SAFC.
"Preparations for Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Burton Albion will resume on Monday, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking charge of the squad.
"The board will now begin the search for a new manager and will make no further comment until this process is completed."
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