MX23RW : Thursday, November 14 03:14:12| >> :600:279183:279183:

Elis Short explains Steve Bruce dismissal

Short explains Bruce dismissal
© PA Photos
Sunderland chairman Elis Short blames a long period of "underperformance" for Steve Bruce's dismissal.

Sunderland chairman Elis Short has blamed a long period of "underperformance" for the board's desicion to sack Steve Bruce.

Bruce was relieved of his duties last month after a 2-1 home defeat to Wigan, before Martin O'Neill was named as the club's new boss.

"It wasn't specifically the last home game against Wigan that determined we would change manager, because we outplayed Wigan for most of the game," Short said.

"However, once again, things didn't go our way and ultimately we were left to reflect on the fact that, over a long period of time, we have been underperforming.

"We believe the club should be in a better position and consequently the board took the action we believed was necessary for the good of the club."

Martin O'Neill celebrated his first game in charge of the Black Cats yesterday with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn.

ID:10269: cacheID:10269:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1407:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
James McClean
Read Next:
McClean "buzzing" after debut
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sunderland1594225111431
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1510321971231
3Leeds UnitedLeeds158522491529
4Burnley157621861227
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom15672169725
6Watford158162322125
7Middlesbrough157352317624
8Millwall156541813523
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City155732019122
11Swansea CitySwansea155461110119
12Derby CountyDerby155461919019
13Stoke CityStoke155461819-119
14Norwich CityNorwich154652322118
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds155371725-818
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd154561718-117
17Coventry CityCoventry154472021-116
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth154471526-1116
19Hull City153661620-415
20Preston North EndPreston153661523-815
21Luton TownLuton154381726-915
22Cardiff CityCardiff154381423-915
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR151771225-1310


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!