STEVE BRUCE was sacked as Sunderland manager last night when chairman Ellis Short decided that results were “simply not good enough” to keep him in his job.

Bruce’s two-and-a-half year reign at the Stadium of Light came to an end yesterday afternoon when he had a meeting with Short.

It was a decision that the club’s owner was reluctant to take, but he felt he had little choice when fans turned on the manager after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Wigan Athletic.

Bruce leaves Sunderland sitting only two points above the relegation zone, after winning just two games this season, and Short has already started his search for a replacement.

Short said last night: “This has been a difficult time for everyone at Sunderland and is not a situation that any of us envisaged or expected to be in.

“It is my job as chairman to act in the best interests of our football club at all times, and I can assure everyone that this is not a decision that I have taken lightly. Sadly, results this season have simply not been good enough and I feel the time is right to make a change.”

Former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes and ex-Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill are two of the early front-runners to replace Bruce.

Since taking over from Ricky Sbragia in June 2009, Bruce had enjoyed a good relationship with former chairman Niall Quinn.

And Short, who took over from Quinn earlier this season, said: “Steve has acted with honesty and integrity throughout, which is testament to the character and commitment he has shown during his time at Sunderland.”

Bruce’s assistant, Eric Black, has been placed in charge of first team duties until a replacement is confirmed.