Premier League: Black Cats part company with Martin O'Neill

Sunderland have parted company with Martin O'Neill

After a home loss to Manchester United earlier today Sunderland have announced that they have parted company with manager Martin O'Neill. Mike Norman has the details...

Sunderland have this evening announced that they have "parted company" with manager Martin O'Neill.

The relegation-threatened Black Cats are in dire form in the Premier League after failing to win any of their previous eight games, taking just three points in the process.

Today's defeat to champions-elect Manchester United leaves the Wearside club just one point above the relegation zone with just seven games remaining, four of them away from home including a trip to arch north-east rivals and fellow strugglers Newcastle.

O'Neill took over from Steve Bruce at Sunderland in December 2011 and immediately became a huge success with the Stadium of Light faithful, winning seven of his opening 10 fixtures to steer the Black Cats away from the drop zone.

But despite some high profile signings this season, including England midfielder Adam Johnson and Scotland striker Steven Fletcher, Sunderland struggled for goals and could never put a consistent run of good form together.

O'Neill remained very positive after today's defeat insisting that his glass was "three-quarters full" in reference to his confidence in keeping Sunderland in the Premier League, before going on to say, "There's a real determination in the dressing room. The players are obviously disappointed, but they can take a lot from the second half."

Sunderland's next game is away to Chelsea on April 7 with the club available to back at 2.767/4 in the Relegaion market having been matched at a high of 75.074/1 earlier in the season.

Betfair have introduced a Next Sunderland Manager market with former Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio and experienced Premier League manager Mark Hughes amongst the early favourites.