Mowbray sacked after 16 months as black cats’ manager despite sitting just outside championship play-offs

Sunderland has parted ways with manager Tony Mowbray, a day after a crucial draw against Millwall and ahead of the highly anticipated FA Cup third-round clash with Newcastle. Despite sitting just three points outside the Championship play-offs, Mowbray’s tenure comes to an end after 16 months at the Stadium of Light.

Mowbray led Sunderland to a sixth-place finish last season, only to face play-off heartbreak against Luton. The team started strongly this season, holding the fourth position in October, with six wins in their first ten games. However, recent struggles saw Mowbray managing only two wins in the last nine games.

The decision to part ways with Mowbray also involves his assistant Mark Venus. Mike Dodds will temporarily lead the first-team as Sunderland initiates the search for a new manager. The upcoming FA Cup clash against Newcastle adds further intrigue to the club’s current transitional phase.

Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman acknowledged Mowbray’s contributions, stating, “All at SAFC have thoroughly enjoyed working with Tony, and he is quite rightly held in high regard by our players and staff, and our supporters.” Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus expressed gratitude for Mowbray’s dedication to Sunderland.

The search for a new manager is underway as Sunderland looks to maintain its ambitious trajectory in the Championship. The decision to part ways with Mowbray reflects the club’s commitment to a high-performance culture and the development of a strong playing identity.