London, Sep 23 (IANS): English football club Sunderland have sacked manager Paolo Di Canio after a poor start to the season that has left the 'Black Cats' bottom of the Premier League table.

The 45-year-old Italian has won three of his 13 matches since being appointed in March and Sunderland have one point from five games this campaign, reports Xinhua.

"An announcement will be made in due course regarding a permanent successor," read a club statement Sunday.

Coach Kevin Ball will take charge of the first-team squad.

The statement added: "The club would like to place on record its thanks to Paolo and his staff and wishes them well for the future."

Di Canio succeeded Martin O'Neill March 31 but later admitted he feared the sack in the immediate controversy over his arrival.

This season started with a home loss to Fulham before they drew at Southampton and conceded nine goals in defeats against Crystal Palace, Arsenal and most recently West Brom Sunday.