David Moyes has resigned as Sunderland manager.
Moyes made the decision on Monday afternoon, after a meeting with Sunderland owner Ellis Short in London.
The former Manchester United and Everton manager oversaw a disastrous season the Stadium of Light, and his departure won’t be a surprise to beleaguered Sunderland fans.
BREAKING: David Moyes has resigned following Sunderland's relegation from the Premier League.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 22, 2017
The Black Cats’ 10-year stay in the Premier League ended on Sunday with a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
They won just six games in the league last season, finishing bottom with 24 points.
Moyes’ disposition has been downbeat since succeeding Sam Allardyce last summer, and his negativity has been the soundtrack to the disastrous campaign.
David Moyes says he will not resign https://t.co/DcyGsGtN75
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 4, 2017
From the day he became manager, he talked down the quality of the playing squad and spoke about how they would struggle to avoid relegation. That prediction would be the only thing Moyes got right during his tenure, and few Sunderland fans will mourn his loss.
Moyes’ season was summed up on Sunday, when he admitted that he helped accommodate John Terry’s substitution after 26 minutes, when he left the pitch in his final game to a mid-game guard of honour.
However, according to several Sunderland fans, Moyes didn’t acknowledge the travelling away supporters at the end of the game.
A season to forget for Moyes https://t.co/kB6lu94J7a
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 22, 2017
Moyes released a very brief statement on Monday evening, following his departure from the club, saying:
“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.
“I wish the players and my successor well in their efforts towards promotion back to the Premier League.”
Moyes wasn’t popular with the Sunderland fans, but he at least chose to not take compensation from the club.
Sunderland owner Short wished Moyes well for the future in his statement, and wrote:
“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.
“Having worked tirelessly throughout the campaign to avoid relegation from the Premier League, David has chosen to leave the club without compensation, which is testament to his character.”
Sunderland are now looking for their ninth manager in the last 10 years as they prepare for life in the Championship.
