Dick Advocaat has left his job as Sunderland’s head coach just four months after being persuaded to delay his retirement plans for a year.

The 68-year-old Dutchman, who was parachuted in to mastermind a nine-game rescue mission at the end of the last campaign, has walked away with the club sitting in 19th place in the Barclays Premier League on three points after winning none of their opening eight fixtures following Saturday’s 2-2 draw with West Ham United at the Stadium of Light.

It is understood the former Holland manager, who refused to discuss his future after the game, had decided to go whatever the result.

It leaves the Black Cats in a state of flux once again with sporting director Lee Congerton understood to be working a period of notice after tendering his resignation.

But as he departed, Advocaat said: “I want to thank everyone who has stood behind me. This is a very special football club with so many great people, but I feel it is the right time to do this – not for me, but for the club.

“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 – like we did last year. I am thankful to the chairman (Ellis Short) for understanding my feelings and I remain on good terms with everyone at the club.

“I wish Ellis, Lee, all of the staff, players and of course the supporters, who made me feel so welcome here, the very best of luck for the rest of the season. I have some wonderful memories to take with me and I hope I will return to see everybody again in the future.”

Advocaat’s No.2 Zeljko Petrovic has also left the club.

Former Black Cats defender Sam Allardyce, who has been taking a break since leaving his post at West Ham at the end of last season, figures prominently on an early list of candidates being drawn up by Short.

Sunderland are also considering up-and-coming managers, as they did when they appointed Paolo Di Canio and his successor Gus Poyet, with the names of Burnley’s Sean Dyche, Karl Robinson of MK Dons and Burton’s Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink having been mentioned in dispatches.

Former Leicester boss Nigel Pearson is available, while there is a romantic school of thought touting Wearside goal hero Kevin Phillips as an outsider.

However, Allardyce’s availability, proven track record and connections with the club make him an attractive proposition.