Sunderland's transfer plans ahead of next season have taken a devastating blow after head of recruitment Tony Coton quit the club alongside head of football operations Richard Hill.
The Black Cats issued a statement last night saying the pair's employment had been ended with immediate effect.
"Sunderland AFC can this evening confirm that Richard Hill and Tony Coton have left the club with immediate effect," said the statement on Sunderland's official website.
"Both joined SAFC in 2018, undertaking the roles of Head of Football Operations and Head of Recruitment, respectively.
"The board would like to place on record its gratitude to both Richard and Tony for their contribution and dedication over the past two years.
"All at SAFC wish them well in their future endeavours."
But it was Coton and Hill who took the decision to walk out rather than owner Stewart Donald, who also stepped down.
The duo met with Donald and new chief executive Jim Rodwell yesterday to hand in their resignations.
Sunderland were in eighth place in League One when the season was ended by the Covid-19 pandemic.
And Donald is desperately trying to sell the club to recoup the £37million he spent buying Sunderland two years ago.
The Black Cats suffered successive relegations from the Premier League to League One between 2017 and 2018.
And last season they were denied a return to the Championship when they were beaten 2-1 in the play-off final by Charlton Athletic after beating Portsmouth in the semi-finals.
Sunderland's failure to make a bid for promotion this season means they are facing £20million losses.
Donald has seen previous takeover talks collapse – and his current asking price has been described as unrealistic.
Losing the experience of Coton and Hill will not help his cause.
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