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Dick Advocaat has decided to walk away from the Stadium of Light , leaving Sunderland on the look out for a new manager.
Advocaat's decision came amid a dreadful start to the season that sees the club without a win in the Premier League after eight matches.
A statement on the club's website explained: "Advocaat has left his position as head coach at the club.
"The Dutchman informed the chairman of his decision to step down from his role and departs the Stadium of Light with immediate effect."
Ellis Short is now looking for his eighth permanent manager in less than seven years. So who might be the man to take on the task? We take a look at the contenders...
Show all 7 1 /7Who will be the next Sunderland manager? Who will be the next Sunderland manager? SAM ALLARDYCE One of the safest pairs of hands around, the hugely experienced Allardyce, a former Sunderland defender, is available after his four-year spell at West Ham drew to a close at the end of last season. His proven track record with Bolton, Blackburn and the Hammers - if not Newcastle - make him a leading contender.
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Who will be the next Sunderland manager? NIGEL PEARSON Pearson performed miracles as Leicester won seven of their final nine games to secure their top-flight status at the end of last season. He is available after leaving the King Power Stadium during the summer.
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Who will be the next Sunderland manager? SEAN DYCHE Dyche's blend of positivity, realism and entertaining football during Burnley's ultimately unsuccessful bid to secure their Barclays Premier League status last season won him plenty of plaudits. He seems destined for bigger things, but his loyalty to the Clarets could prove an obstacle.
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Who will be the next Sunderland manager? KARL ROBINSON Robinson celebrated five years at the MK Dons helm in May and guided the club into the Sky Bet Championship last season as runners-up to Bristol City after twice missing out in the play-offs. At just 35, he is one of the rising stars of the managerial game.
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Who will be the next Sunderland manager? JIMMY FLOYD HASSELBAINK Former Leeds, Chelsea and Middlesbrough striker Hasselbaink led Burton to the League Two title last season after only taking over the club in November, and the promoted club currently top League One after 11 games. Like Di Canio and Poyet, he was a fine player and has enjoyed an encouraging start to his managerial career, but also like them, he is short on experience.
Who will be the next Sunderland manager? WALTER MAZZARRI Former Inter Milan boss Mazzarri has been linked with Sunderland, as well as Liverpool, in recent days, and is reportedly learning English. However, the Black Cats had their fingers burnt the last time they appointed an Italian, albeit one without Mazzarri's curriculum vitae.
Who will be the next Sunderland manager? KEVIN PHILLIPS A man who would need no introduction to fans who revered him for his goalscoring exploits in the red and white shirt, Phillips has embarked on a career in coaching since hanging up his boots. However, he is another whose lack of experience may count against him.
Addition reporting by PA
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