Soccer-Sunderland part ways with manager Beale

(Reuters) - Sunderland have parted ways with manager Michael Beale after only two months in charge, the Championship club said on Monday, with Mike Dodds appointed interim manager.

Beale, 43, took over from Tony Mowbray in December and his final game in charge saw Sunderland lose 2-1 to Mowbray's Birmingham City on Saturday.

Beale has won four out of his 11 second-tier league games, leaving Sunderland in 10th place four points off the playoffs.

"We are disappointed that Michael is leaving Sunderland AFC," Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said.

"Our desire is to improve and unfortunately that hasn't been evident, as such we take full accountability and feel that acting decisively is in the best interests of the Club."

Dodds has been on the coaching staff since 2021 and took charge this season after Mowbray's departure, winning two games before Beale was appointed with Sunderland seventh in the table.

Sunderland host Swansea City on Saturday.

(Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Ken Ferris)