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Sunderland lose their Dick

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Manager leaves Stadium of Light after keeping them up

Dick Advocaat is leaving his position as the Sunderland manager after keeping the club in the Premier League this season.

The 67-year-old said he no longer wanted to be a football manager and wanted to go into his retirement.

The Dutchman joined the Black Cats for the rest of the season in March, replacing the sacked Gus Poyet, with the club sitting just one-point above the drop zone.

Advocaat Statement

The 19-time manager thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Stadium of Light, he said: “Sunderland has been one of the highlights of my career.

“At certain moments in your life you have to make a decision and I am almost 68 years old now.

“A number of clubs contacted me but the decision was always Sunderland or nobody.” he added.

Advocaat cried when it was certain that he managed to keep Sunderland in the Premier League after a goalless draw at Arsenal in the penultimate match of the campaign.

Chairman Gutted

Sunderland chairman Ellis Short was gutted but respected Advocaat’s decision, he said: “Although I am extremely disappointed, I understand and absolutely respect his decision.

“In his brief time here he made a real impact and lifted the club with his experience and enthusiasm. We will always be grateful to him for what he achieved.” he added.

The 9-club player lost his first Premier League game in charge of the Black Cats at West Ham. However, Advocaat led them on to win three games and three draws in the last eight games to steer them clear of relegation, including a 1-0 win over their neighbours Newcastle.

The Veteran had a successful career in management as he won the league and cup double while managing Rangers, as well as winning league titles in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven and in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg.

Advocaat didn’t only manage clubs; he managed Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Belgium, Russia and Serbia on the international stage.

By Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)

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