Sunderland sack manager Phil Parkinson

Sunderland have sacked manager Phil Parkinson as a takeover of the club edges closer to completion with Nigel Pearson understood to be the favourite to replace him.

Sunderland, who are spending their third season in League One, the longest the club has ever spent so low down the football pyramid, were once again expected to challenge for promotion this season.

But they have won just six of their 13 league games and were held to a 1-1 draw by promotion rivals Fleetwood Town on Saturday, which left them outside of the play offs and seven points behind leaders Hull City.

The timing of the decision is intriguing as a takeover by existing director, Juan Sartori and French millionaire Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, is close to being finalised.

A deal has been agreed with current owner Stewart Donald and is thought to have been passed on to the EFL for approval. Telegraph Sport understands that former Watford and Leicester City manager, Nigel Pearson, is wanted by the new regime with former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips part of the coaching staff.

"Sunderland AFC has today parted company with manager Phil Parkinson," the club said in a statement.

"The 52-year-old was appointed in October 2019, overseeing a total of 47 matches during his 13 months at the Stadium of Light.

"Assistant manager Steve Parkin also departs, and the club would like to place on record its thanks to both Phil and Steve for their efforts during their time at SAFC.

"Preparations for Tuesday’s Sky Bet League One fixture against Burton Albion will resume on Monday, with first-team coach Andrew Taylor taking charge of the squad.

"The board will now begin the search for a new manager and will make no further comment until this process is completed."

Former Bolton manager Parkinson replaced Jack Ross in October 2019, but has also been unable to lead Sunderland out of League One and supporters, who were underwhelmed by his appointment last year, have been calling for a change for several weeks.