Beale Leaves Sunderland after nine weeks as Dodds handed interim job

 Michael Beale has parted company with Sunderland after just nine weeks in charge. 

Beale oversaw only four wins in 12 games after succeeding Tony Mowbray and leaves the Black Cats 10th in the Championship, four points off the play-off positions.

The former QPR and Rangers boss' final match in charge was the 2-1 defeat to Birmingham - Mowbray's current club - on Saturday.

Mike Dodds, Sunderland's assistant manager, will take charge until the end of the season as the club consider a long-term appointment in the summer.

Beale struggled to win over many of the Sunderland fans during his short time in charge at the Stadium of Light.