Sunderland sack Mowbray before Newcastle clash as fans left ‘scratching heads’

Sunderland fans are at a loss after manager Tony Mowbray was sacked with their FA Cup clash against rivals Newcastle right around the corner.

The axe swung following the Black Cats' 1-1 draw with Millwall on Saturday, leaving them with just two wins in nine league games. But despite their poor recent form, Sunderland are ninth in the table and just three points off a play-off spot.

Reaction to Mowbray's departure on social media was unanimous, with supporters all agreeing the former West Brom, Celtic and Blackburn boss deserved more time. One X user said: "Still scratching my head as to why #SAFC have sacked Tony Mowbray. What a stupid decision."

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"Shocked," wrote another. "Tony Mowbray overall has done a fantastic job in galvanising the club. Well respected by fans and players. I hope we don’t come to regret your departure." A third fumed: "How the f*** have Sunderland sacked Tony Mowbray?

"He’s got them into the play offs last season, they play lovely attacking football with a team packed with youngsters. Foreign owners obviously think they should be in the top two, f***ing idiots."

Who should replace Tony Mowbray? Let us know in the comments section below.

Mowbray took over at the club in August 2022 following the departure of Alex Neil, who had led the team up from League One the previous season. Mowbray ended up sealing a sixth-place finish and entry into the play-offs, where they were beaten by eventual winners Luton.

News of the 60-year-old's sacking came a day after Sunderland were drawn against fierce rivals Newcastle in the FA Cup third round. The two clubs haven't faced each other for seven-and-a-half years, with their last meeting coming during the 2015/16 season when both were in the Premier League.

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Sunderland have a strong recent record in the Tyne-Wear derby, with their last defeat in the fixture coming back in 2011. Since then, they've won six and drawn three against the Magpies.

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