Bracewell is latest to go as buyers are set deadline
SUNDERLAND have confirmed that first-team coach Paul Bracewell has left the club, with the former assistant manager putting on record his thanks to the staff and the supporters.
He departs the club following relegation, having served as assistant to the last three managers.
Bracewell, pictured, who also had three playing spells with the Black Cats, had been a coach at the club since 2013, initially holding the role of development coach for the under-21s and under-18s.
He was promoted to first-team coaching in 2015 under Dick Advocaat and was also number two for Sam Allardyce and David Moyes.
On his departure, Bracewell told the club website: “It has been a great honour to serve Sunderland AFC as a player, coach and assistant manager for a combined total of 10 years.
“I would like to thank the club and its staff, but also the supporters for the great backing I have received.
“I now look forward to the next challenge.”
Chief executive Martin Bain added: “We would like to thank Paul for his hard work and dedication during his time with the club and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
Bracewell’s departure, along with Moyes’ resignation, leaves Robbie Stockdale and goalkeeper coach Adrian Tucker as the only first-team coaches left at the club from last season.
Bracewell was the only member of the coaching staff with full management experience, with Stockdale only briefly being in caretaker charge of Grimsby in the past, while Tucker did manage Wales’ women’s side between 2007-10.
Stockdale will undertake first-team management duties until a new manager is found.
The Black Cats confirmed in a statement yesterday that finding a replacement for Moyes was taking longer than anticipated because takeover talks between Ellis Short and a number of parties left the club unable to offer any guarantees to a new boss at this stage.
Short has put a time limit on discussions with any potential investors to conclude a deal.
The timeframe is believed to be weeks rather than months.