Simon Grayson has been sacked by Sunderland

The Black Cats announced that Grayson was leaving his job within 20 minutes of the final whistle of their 3-3 draw with the Championship's bottom club Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night.

Glynn Snodin, who followed Grayson from North End to Wearside, has also departed.

A statement released by Sunderland read: "Sunderland AFC has this evening parted company with manager Simon Grayson.

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Simon Grayson and his successor at PNE, Alex Neil

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to Simon and his staff for their efforts during their time at the football club.

"Assistant manager Glynn Snodin also departs."

Sunderland's chief executive Martin Bain added: "Simon and his team have worked tirelessly to achieve the best for the football club during their time here.

“While we hoped that Simon’s experience in the Football League would help us to a successful season, results have not been good enough for a club of this stature. “In order for us to improve upon our current position we believe a fundamental change is necessary."

Simon Grayson and his successor at PNE, Alex Neil

Grayson had 235 games in charge of North End between February 2013 and June 29 this year.

But his tenure at Sunderland lasted only 17 games, with them winning just one league match.

He left Preston on the morning pre-season training was due to start in June, Sunderland making an official approach for him after weeks of speculation linking him with a switch to the Stadium of Light.

North End moved swiftly to replace him, bringing in Alex Neil less than a wekk later.