Chris Coleman sacked by Sunderland after relegation to League One as owner Ellis Short finally agrees deal to sell club

The decision came shortly before the news that American Short had finally agreed to sell the club

Chris Coleman has been sacked by Sunderland (Getty)

Chris Coleman has been sacked by Sunderland following relegation to League One.

The club were relegated to the third tier last weekend and following defeat to former club Fulham on Friday night it has been confirmed that Coleman has now left.

The Black Cats confirmed the news on Sunday afternoon in a short statement.

"Sunderland AFC announces that manager Chris Coleman and his assistant Kit Symons have been released from their contracts," it read.

Coleman was unable to save the club from relegation (Getty)

"The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Chris and Kit for their tireless efforts in what has been a hugely disappointing season for everyone involved with the club.

"The club is unable to make further comment at this time."

The 47-year-old left his role as Wales national team boss to succeed Simon Grayson at the Stadium of Light last November.

But Coleman could not prevent them from suffering relegation during his five months in charge.

Chairman Short has been trying to sell the club for some time (Getty)

The club begin their search for a new manager, a sixth in the last two seasons.

The decision came shortly before the announcement that owner Ellis Short had finally agreed to sell the club.

A second statement confirmed the American had agreed to a deal to allow an international consortium of investors headed by Stewart Donald, current chairman of Eastleigh, to take over pending EFL approval.

"It is no secret that I have been trying to sell Sunderland, but I have waited until the right group came along that have the experience, finances and plan to take this great club back to where it deserves to be"

He added: "I will be a Sunderland fan for life and hope to return as a fan to watch them climb back to where they belong."