Sunderland dismiss Chris Coleman and announce sale of club

Sunderland have announced that Ellis Short has sold the club to a group led by Stewart Donald, chairman of Eastleigh FC, and released manager Chris Coleman and his assistant, Kit Symons, from their contracts following the club's relegation to League One. 

The former Wales manager joined the Championship club last November on a 2½ year contract but was unable to arrest their dreadful form after their relegation from the Premier League and defeat at Fulham on Friday confirmed they would finish bottom of the division.

In its first statement Sunderland said: 

"Sunderland AFC announces that manager Chris Coleman and his assistant Kit Symons have been released from their contracts.

The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Chris and Kit for their tireless efforts in what has been a hugely disappointing season for everyone involved with the club.

The club is unable to make further comment at this time."

Coleman's wife, Charlotte,  tweeted when the news broke:

Ten minutes after Coleman's departure was announced, the club released a further statement on Short's sale of the club. 

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