Moyes resigns as Sunderland boss

SUNDERLAND manager David Moyes has resigned following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

The end of the Black Cats’ 10-year stay in the top flight was confirmed when they lost to Bournemouth last month.

Moyes, 54, informed chairman Ellis Short of his decision to step down at a meeting in London on Monday.

“I wish the players and my successor well in their efforts towards promotion back to the Premier League,” said Moyes.

Former Everton and Manchester United boss Moyes took charge in July last year, after Sam Allardyce left to become England manager.

Sunderland finished bottom of the table this season with 24 points, having won only six games.

“I pursued the services of David Moyes for a considerable period prior to his appointment last summer, which makes the announcement of his departure difficult for everyone concerned,” said owner Short.

He said that Moyes was not taking compensation for his departure, calling it a “testament to his character”.

“In the days ahead we will take some time for reflection, and then focus on recruitment and pre-season as we prepare for our Championship campaign. We wish David well in the future,” added Short.

The Scot had faced calls from Sunderland fans to quit and initially said it was “too soon” to commit to the club following relegation.

However, earlier this month he suggested he would stay with the club in the Championship next season, saying: “I know what needs to be done to get back in the Premier League.”

In a club statement on Monday, Moyes said: “I would like to thank Ellis Short and the Board for giving me the opportunity to manage Sunderland and the fans for always being so passionately supportive of their club.”

This is the first time Moyes has been relegated as a manager, having warned supporter’s just two games into the season that his squad would struggle.

After 11 years in charge of Everton, Moyes left in 2013 to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United but was sacked a year into a six-year deal at Old Trafford.

He was also dismissed after only a year in charge of his next club, Spanish side Real Sociedad, before taking over at the Stadium of Light.

 

SOURCE: BBC SPORT