Michael Beale sacked by Sunderland after just 12 games as club's season takes new turn

Michael Beale sacked by Sunderland after just 12 games as club’s season takes new turn

Sunderland are looking for their third manager of the season after taking the decision to sack Michael Beale with the club four points off a play-off place. Beale arrived in December 2023 following the departure of Tony Mowbray, and by coincidence saw his tenure at the Stadium of Light ended by Mowbray following Saturday’s 2-1 win for Birmingham City against Sunderland.

That result and the manner of the performance has promoted Sunderland to move their man on, just 12 games after appointing Beale. The departing manager won just four of his 12 matches in charge, with 11 of those games in the league and an FA Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle United.

Mowbray’s exit in early December last year caught many by surprise with his side in a decent position in the league, much like Beale finds himself in, but it is understood the decision was taken not based purely on results but the manner of performances with the board performing a significant u-turn on a decision to hire him just two months ago.

Sunderland have just one win in their last four games and have lost their last two matches to sides in the bottom half of the Championship standings. All eyes will now be on what Kristjaan Speakman does next, with questions raised following his decision to appoint Beal and then let him go so swiftly.

In the meantime, the club say Sunderland assistant manager Mike Dodds will take charge until the end of the season while they consider an appointment for the long-term.