Dick Advocaat has resigned as boss at Sunderland, a side who have yet to record a win in the Premier League this season.

He was appointed to the position in March at a time when the Black Cats were just one point outside the relegation zone. He was due to depart in the summer after guiding them to safety but then in a change of events, signed a one-year contract with the struggling club.

It is believed that in addition to their winless streak, Advocaat has become disillusioned with the lack of backing in the transfer market. Speaking after the announcement to leave the club, Advocaat said:  "I have made the decision to go after only eight games as I felt it was important to give everyone time to turn things around."

Elsewhere, Sunderland have also lost their Assistant Head Coach Zeljko Petrovic who also quit the club. Losing their 2-0 lead against West Ham to end in a draw yesterday means that Advocaat has overseen just three wins from 17 since his arrival. 

Sunderland has cycled through five managers in the last four years with Steve Bruce, Martin O'Neill, Paolo Di Canio, Gus Poyet and Advocatt all failing in the post.

The 68 year-old Dutchman along with Di Canio and Poyet managed Sunderland when they dropped from the Premier League to First Division a year after their appointment.

Currently they are second last in the table with Newcastle sitting at the bottom.