"Sunderland AFC has announced that after 20 games in charge, manager Howard Wilkinson has departed the club along with his assistant Steve Cotterill.
The board has decided that it is in the best interests of the club and its supporters to make a change immediately."
It would not appear to be sudden decision, chairman Bob Murray said "We will be appointing a successor before our crucial game against Bolton at the weekend."
The Mackem's are currently rooted to the bottom of the Premiership, 7 points adrift of safety, with only 9 games left. Only a miracle will save them. Bring back Peter Reid.