Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has confirmed the departure of Steve Bruce as manager.

Skysports.com broke the news that Bruce's tenure at the Stadium of Light had come to an end.

Now Short has released a statement confirming that Bruce's near two-and-a-half year stint at the club was over.

"This has been a difficult time for everyone at Sunderland and is not a situation that any of us envisaged or expected to be in," said Short.

"It is my job as chairman to act in the best interests of our football club at all times and I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly.

"Sadly results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change.

Thanks

"Steve has acted with honesty and integrity throughout, which is testament to the character and commitment he has shown during his time at Sunderland.

"I would like to personally place on record my thanks to him for his significant contribution to our football club over the past two and a half years and everyone here at Sunderland naturally wishes him the very best for the future.

"I would also like to thank our fans, who have endured a trying start to the season. Their support continues to be the driving force behind our club and is vital as we now look to the future."

A number of names are already being linked with the job, with SkyBet installing Martin O'Neill as the early favourite, with Mark Hughes also strongly tipped.

So they are off in the Premiership sack race for 2011/12.

Martin O'Neill 2/1 on favourite to be the next manager. Other names in the frame are Rafael Benitez, Mark Hughes and Carlo Ancelotti.

So they are off in the Premiership sack race for 2011/12.

Martin O'Neill 2/1 on favourite to be the next manager. Other names in the frame are Rafael Benitez, Mark Hughes and Carlo Ancelotti.

Why would any team want Hughes as manager?