Steve Bruce sacked by Sunderland

Sunderland have decided they have had enough of Steve Bruce and he has been sacked as their manager.

Bruce has overseen a fairly disastrous season so far for the Black Cats but a last-minute defeat at home to Wigan was the last straw for the board and he has been fired.

Wearsiders chairman Ellis Short told the club's official website: "This has been a difficult time for everyone at Sunderland and is not a situation that any of us envisaged or expected to be in.

"It is my job as chairman to act in the best interests of our football club at all times and I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly. Sadly results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change.

"Steve has acted with honesty and integrity throughout, which is testament to the character and commitment he has shown during his time at Sunderland.

"I would like to personally place on record my thanks to him for his significant contribution to our football club over the past two and a half years and everyone here at Sunderland naturally wishes him the very best for the future.

"I would also like to thank our fans, who have endured a trying start to the season. Their support continues to be the driving force behind our club and is vital as we now look to the future."

Just last month former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn said it would take an apocalypse for Bruce to be fired. Better start building that ark so.

Incredibly, he is the first manager to be fired in the Premier League this season. Even more incredibly, Steve Kean is still in charge of Blackburn.

It seems Martin O'Neill and Mark Hughes are the early front runners to replace Bruce but whever it is has a tough job as Sunderland have been abject this term.