Sunderland have sacked manager Michael Beale after just two months in the job, with Mike Dodds appointed interim until the end of the season. 

The former QPR and Rangers boss replaced Tony Mowbray in December 2023, a decision which was met with uproar by large parts of the Sunderland fanbase. 

A difficult start saw Beale lose 3-0 against Coventry City at home, before an impressive 1-0 away win against fellow playoff hopefuls Hull City. 

However, the Black Cats went on to drop points against relegation threatened Rotherham United, with the style of play continuing to face criticism even when winning. 

Recent defeats against lowly Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City, ironically where Mowbray was hired following Wayne Rooney's dismissal, sealed Beale's fate, and he was sacked on Monday, February 19.

Dodds will lead the first team until the end of the 2023-24 season and replace Michael Beale, who departs the Stadium of Light with immediate effect.

A member of the club’s coaching team since August 2021, Dodds took charge of the Black Cats earlier this campaign and guided them to back-to-back wins in the Sky Bet Championship.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland AFC. Our desire is to improve and unfortunately that hasn’t been evident, as such we take full accountability and feel that acting decisively is in the best interests of the club.

"This has been a difficult few months for Michael, who leaves with our best wishes for the future. Our focus is now on the players and supporting Mike Dodds in the remaining games to ensure we achieve the highest possible league finish. We will be updating our supporters further as and when significant developments are made."

Sunderland currently sit 10th in the second tier, four points outside the playoff positions.