Sunderland Fire Manager Chris Coleman; Ellis Short Sells Club

Sunderland announced manager Chris Coleman had been released from his contract on Sunday, the same day owner Ellis Short agreed to sell the club to a consortium led by Stewart Donald.

The Black Cats announced Coleman's departure before sharing a statement from Short detailing the sale to Donald, chairman of Eastleigh:

The north-east outfit were relegated from the Championship following a recent 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion, and fans will be hoping for an immediate promotion back to England's second tier.

Sunderland's drop to League One will see them play third-tier football for the first time since 1987-88, the only other campaign in their history they have played below the second division.

Coleman took over at the Stadium of Light in November after Sunderland made a poor start in their bid to return to the Premier League, but he could only lead the team to five wins in 28 Championship games.

Despite that record, The Times' Henry Winter argued Coleman should have been kept on at the club during an appearance on Match of the Day 2 Extra:

Short's decision to sell the club brings an end to his tenure of almost 10 years at the club. The American businessman had some success, with Sunderland spending nine successive seasons in the top flight under his ownership.

The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light has been dour for much of this campaign, with pressure placed on Short to sell. Still, football writer Kristan Heneage praised the manner in which he departed:

"

Without a doubt, the craziest part is Short writing off the debt. It's about £110million last time I checked, and it drastically changes #SAFC's outlook. Fair play to Short as well, proves the theory he did always care he was just very misguided in his approach.

— Kristan Heneage (@KHeneage) April 29, 2018"

Scott Wilson of the Northern Echo and fan account Roker Report echoed the praise for Short in paying off the club's debt upon his departure:

Back-to-back disastrous campaigns have seen Sunderland fall from top-flight mainstays to a League One outfit in less than two years, and there are no signs as to who could take charge next season.

The Chronicle Journal's James Hunter highlighted the new owners look to have a blueprint, however:

Coleman left his position with Wales to return to club management, but his prospects aren't likely to be too badly damaged despite his failings with Sunderland, such was the difficulty of the job at hand.

The club will hope the overhaul in several key positions and consequent fresh start will lead to a successful return to the Premier League in the not-too-distant future.