Lee Congerton has left his role as Director of Football at Sunderland - two months after handing in his notice.

Congerton decided he wanted to depart the Stadium of Light when the manager Dick Advocaat resigned earlier in the season, having become frustrated with there being limitations on his role.

He remained on Wearside to help Sam Allardyce settle into his position when he took over from the Dutchman, but has now left the club, the Sunderland Echo have confirmed.

Black Cats preparing for January - without Congerton

With the transfer window less than a month away, it is a crucial time for Sunderland, and it is understood by the local publication that Congerton has not been involved in the build-up for this as he was preparing to leave.

Allardyce has instead taken over in discussing potential targets with those above him, with the Black Cats' having scouted a number of players recently as they pursue recruits in the centre-back position in particular.

Congerton has actually been out of loop for some time, with Academy director Ged McNamee also taking over the responsibility of sorting out contracts for the under-21s.

Director of Football experiment over?

Though the current manager has had few problems with with a Director of Football since arriving, though he does want full control of transfers, it seems that owner Ellis Short's deployment of this system will end with Congerton's departure.

Sam Allardyce has assumed full control of transfer negotiations - as he has wanted to since arriving. (Photo: Sunderland AFC)
Sam Allardyce has assumed full control of transfer negotiations - as he has wanted to since arriving. (Photo: Sunderland AFC)

Allardyce has been eager to have as many people helping him prepare for the transfer window as possible, but now the time has arrived for the 42-year-old to leave his post, and the club seem to be in good hands too having spent some time preparing for his departure after receiving his notice.

A return to Germany off the cards?

Congerton's departure comes after rumours circulated back in September that Borussia Mönchengladbach were interested in him.

He had great success in Germany with Hamburger SV a few years ago, working as their Sporting Director between 2011 and 2014 before making his way to Wearside - with West Bromwich Albion even interested in him during his spell at the Volksparkstadion.

After a dreadful start to the campaign, the Telegraph reported that Mönchengladbach were keen on bringing Congerton back to Germany to help them improve by recruiting in January, but now they have turned things around, it is unclear whether or not they are still interested in his services.

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]