Sunderland sack Jack Ross after slow start to season

Sunderland have parted ways with manager Jack Ross following the club’s poor start into the season.

The Black Cats sacked the 43-year-old Scot on Tuesday afternoon barely an hour after a report emerged that a consortium led by American businessmen Glenn Fuhrman, Robert Platek and John Phelan – MSD Partners – had ended its interest in the League One club due to the asking price.

Announcing Ross’ departure, chairman Stewart Donald said: “This is a decision that has been made with a heavy heart. When we arrived at the club 18 months ago, we appointed Jack because we felt that he was the right man to take Sunderland forward over a number of years.

“Jack has worked extremely hard, and has helped us achieve stability at the club and I sincerely thank him for his efforts. I hope and believe that he will go on to have a successful career in management.”

Assistant manager James Fowler has been handed the reins for Tuesday night’s leasing.com Trophy clash against Grimsby with the the hunt for a replacement due to get under way on Wednesday.

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However, Donald was swift to insist he remains committed to bringing fresh investment into the club and – without commenting on the state of play with the MSD bid – remains hopeful of doing so.