Coleman out, Sunderland sold in day of high drama

Chris Coleman has left Sunderland and chairman Ellis Short has agreed to sell the club after ad ramatic day at the Stadium of Light yesterday.

The Black Cats first confirmed Coleman had been released from his contract, following their drop into Sky Bet League One.

Minutes later, they announced a deal had been struck to sell to a group led by Stewart Donald, the chairman of National League side Eastleigh.

It will mark the end of Short’ s turbulent owner ship, which has now seen Sunderland tumble from the Premier League to League One in under a year. He said in a state - ment:“I have been trying to sell Sunderland but I have waited until the right group came along that have the finances and plan to take this great club back to where it deserves to be.”

The deal is subject to EFL approval and Donald has confirmed he has also put Eastleigh on the market.

Coleman had replaced Simon Grayson in November but won just five of his 29 games, losing 16 times, and earlier this month failed to stop the Black Cats slipping to successive relegations.

“S under land announces that manager Chris Coleman and his assistant KitSym ons have been released from their contracts ,” said a statement. “The club would like to record its sincere thanks to Chris and Kit for their efforts in what has been a hugely disappointing season.”

On the pitch, there were two Premier League games yesterday. At Old Trafford, Manchester United left it late to beat Arsenal 2-1. Paul Pogba had given the hosts a first- half lead from close range and, although HenrikhMkh it a ryan equalised against his old club, Marouane Fellaini’s stoppage- time header gave United the win.

Manchester City eased to a 4- 1 win at West Ham thanks to goals from Leroy Sane, Gabriel Jesus and Fernandinho and an own goal from Pablo Zabaleta.