Beale leaves Sunderland after only 11 league games in charge

Michael Beale has left his role as Sunderland head coach after just 11 league matches in charge, with Mike Dodds taking the reins until the end of the season.

The Black Cats took 14 points from Beale's time in charge, being beaten five times.

And after they collapsed from 1-0 up to lose 2-1 at Birmingham last Saturday, the promotion hopefuls have chosen to let him go.

Sunderland lie 10th in the Championship table, four points off the top six.

English boss Beale, 43, also oversaw the Wearsiders' FA Cup exit at the hands of fierce rivals Newcastle last month.

Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland.

"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."

Dodds has led the Mackems on an interim basis on two previous occasions, after the departures of Lee Johnson in 2022 and Tony Mowbray earlier this season.

His first match in charge this time around will be against Swansea at the Stadium of Light on Saturday before a trip to Norwich on March 2.