Martin O'neill Sacked By Sunderland

[Chris]

Martin O'Neill sacked as Sunderland manager after Manchester United defeat

Martin O'Neill has parted company with Sunderland after only 16 months as manager.

The Black Cats lost 1-0 to leaders Manchester United in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off that left them without a win in eight games.

It was also a result that left them perilously one point above the drop zone with seven games remaining in the Premier League.

A statement on the club website read: "Sunderland AFC has announced that it has parted company with manager Martin O'Neill this evening.

"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 former Wycombe, Leicester, Celtic and Aston Villa boss was appointed on 3 December 2011 in a three-year deal as replacement for Steve Bruce and guided the team to top-flight safety with seven victories in his first 10 games to finish in 13th spot.

Facing the might of Manchester United on Saturday was not the type of game to boost confidence for a team stuttering at the wrong end of the table with the contest settled by an own goal by defender Titus Bramble.

After the match at the Stadium of Light, O'Neill, whose record over 66 games at Sunderland was 21 wins and 25 defeats, had tried to paint a positive picture on their hopes to avoid the dreaded drop.

The 61-year-old Northern Irishman told Sky Sports: "Confidence is a major thing in the game and we are striving for it, but I thought the players can take a great deal of confidence from that second-half performance.

"We have to go and put it right, and we intend to do so. There is a determination in that dressing room to get the points. Nothing is too easy in this game, but we are up for the challenge."
Genuine optimism

O'Neill had never made any secret of his boyhood affection for the club and the chance to manage them fulfilled a long-held dream.

His start was just what owner and chairman Ellis Short was looking for as a run of seven victories in his first 10 league games eased the club out of relegation trouble and sent spirits soaring.

The Black Cats ran out of steam towards the end of the campaign, but with their top-flight status secured and the promise of a summer rebuilding programme, attention turned to the new campaign with genuine optimism.

That only increased when Short provided O'Neill with a total of £22million with which to buy Scotland international striker Steven Fletcher and England winger Adam Johnson, and the American put his hand in his pocket once again in January to add Danny Graham and Alfred N'Diaye to the squad.

However, only Fletcher, who was this week ruled out for the remainder of the season with ankle ligament damage, has hit the ground running with his 11 goals a major contribution to the 31 points they have claimed to date.

Johnson in particular has failed to recreate the form he showed in his early days at Middlesbrough and then in spells after his move to Manchester City, while Graham is yet to find the back of the net in seven appearances.

Short has been unhappy with results for several weeks, but writing in his programme notes for Saturday's game, he called for a united front.

He said: "Of course, there is nobody that is happy with our current position and the way our season is going. The reality is that we have a fight on our hands with eight games remaining.

"We know that we are capable of playing better than we have been doing and we know that we need to begin doing so now.

"I can assure you that every person at the club is doing everything they can to ensure that the season ends on a positive note and when the season is over, we can take stock of what happened.

"Right now, however, there is only one thing that every one of us should be focused on, and that is doing our part whatever that is in helping this team to get the points we need.

"I'm very aware that our supporters, who have backed us week in, week out in such huge numbers, aren't happy and fully understand why.

"But right now, it is important for us all to be on the same side and get behind the team. Not being together will not help us to get results, so let's stand shoulder to shoulder and give the team our full support."

Speechless, I really am. I think Sunderland have made a huge mistake and can only blame themselves, he hasn't done that bad with them and deserved time to rebuild. He could have very well turned things around, if not this season they would have a very good manager to start again. Very easy for them!

[super_ram]

How many more managers will be gone before the start of the next season?

[cheeky~k8]

Its abit silly really, because finding a new manager now is going to be harder than it would of been earlier in the season.

[2piesonmyshirt]

Finding a manager is quite easy, there are plenty of them out there. Finding a quality manager is the problem.

Makes me smile, most of the Sunderland fans are calling for David Moyes to be installed. As if he would leave Everton for Sunderland.

[Fan of Big Tone]

That came as a bit of a shock but I suppose we shouldn't be surprised at anything that happens in football. I assume they have someone who they think will save them from relegation already lined up, if not it is a very strange decision. The position they are in they would normally be looking at a manager like O'Neill to get them out of it. I think this is the first time in his career he has been sacked, that says a lot for the man.

[SteveMUP]

Sunderland believe themselves to be giants, O'Neill is the type of manager to do wonders on a budget. I question how much money they have, I don't see them spending much next season. David Moyes being lined up for a much bigger job, he will be our replacement for Sir Alex when he retires. I would consider this to be a very safe bet   

Sunderland would be lucky to appoint Paolo Di Canio or Dopey McClaren.

[liampie]

wow this is bad, shocked! it is a joke really. shocking

[2piesonmyshirt]

Talk that De Canio is on his way for interview today. Some mention of Mark Hughes as well, cant see that happening though.

[2piesonmyshirt]

Talk that De Canio is on his way for interview today. Some mention of Mark Hughes as well, cant see that happening though.

There you go. De Canio confirmed with a 2 1/2 year deal.

[Chris]

There you go. De Canio confirmed with a 2 1/2 year deal.

I knew they'd have someone in place, I bet they've taken him on in hope he can get some Italian players over here. He's not the answer, if he manages to pull it off I will eat my words and be pleasantly surprised but his name, reputation got him this job. His time with Swindon (no disrespect to them) can only be considered a gamble outside of our league and below.

Very odd decision.

[super_ram]

April The 1st-makes you wonder.

[cheeky~k8]

Nothing really surprises me with football these days.

Didn't take them long.