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Sunderland are on the hunt for a new manager after Michael Beale has left his role.
Mail Sport understands that Beale, who was only appointed as Black Cats boss just before Christmas, wasn’t happy with things behind the scenes.
He leaves with the 10th in the Championship on 47 points – four adrift from sixth and the final play-off position – with 13 games left of the season.
The 43-year-old, who signed a deal until the end of the 2025-26 season, won just two of his 12 games in charge at the Stadium of Light.
The outcome comes after Sunderland suffered a second-successive defeat in the Championship – this time at the hands of Birmingham City.
Michael Beale has left his role as Sunderland boss – despite only being appointed in December
Saturday’s defeat in the Midlands was compounded further by Beale having to apologise after being criticised for ignoring Trai Hume when the latter tried to shake his hand after being substituted.
Viral footage landed Beale in hot water with some sections of Sunderland supporters – with many calling him to be sacked, prior to Monday afternoon’s sudden departure
The incident happened in the 88th minute when Hume was withdrawn as Beale’s side trailed Birmingham 2-1 and sought a late equaliser.
Hume, 21, stuck out his hand to Beale as he walked behind him to the substitutes bench but was blanked by his manager who continued to closely monitor the game.
Beale issued a public apology on social media and labelled the defender as ‘an example of everything that is good about a young footballer’ while rebuffing suggestions that he deliberately ignored Hume.
‘Trai Hume is a fantastic player for our club. He gives everything for his team-mates and the staff.
‘I wasn’t aware that I missed his handshake until being asked about it post game. I immediately went to see him to apologise.
‘Trai passed a fitness test this morning to play the game and I cannot hold him in higher regard as a man or professional.
‘He is an example of everything that is good about a young…