Sunderland newest update ALAN DURBAN SACKED

Alan Durban, a former manager of Sunderland and Wales international, was fired on this day in 1984. He moved to Sunderland from Stoke, and according to Durban, one of the key reasons for the abrupt change was Sunderland’s offer to pay the same sum as he did for his Shrewsbury home.

When Durban joined Sunderland, the team was not doing so well. He tried to improve it by bringing in young players who would eventually grow into mature players. Ally McCoist, 18, set a new record for the squad when he was signed for £400,000. The team had a strong start, but their play soured, and they were barely able to avoid relegation in the final game of the season. The game’s lone goal was scored by Mick Buckley as the team defeated Manchester City.

But the team suffered in Durban’s second season as a result of the manager’s problems with boardroom meddling and a rapidly deteriorating relationship with chairman Sir Tom Cowie. There were rumors that players were forced to take showers rather than baths since money was so scarce! The owner grew impatient, even though the side survived the fall unscathed.

Paul Bracewell and Mark Proctor, two excellent midfielders, were acquired by Durban, but in order to raise the necessary money, McCoist had to be sold to Rangers. With Sunderland securely ranked 12th before Christmas, supporters were beginning to see some stability and a long-term strategy in place. But following a losing streak and an FA Cup third-round setback, Durban was unexpectedly fired.

The Welshman had a brief stint as manager at Willington after leaving Sunderland, and then he was relegated twice in a row with Cardiff City. A book detailing Durban’s managerial career was just published; it primarily concentrates on his time at Sunderland and his conflicts with Sir Tom Cowie.

Get more related sport news on http://www.sportupdates.co.uk