Michael Beale bristles as ex Rangers boss issues direct address to swirling Sunderland rumour

Irked Michael Beale has moved to clear up swirling rumours over the final days of his Sunderland spell after being shown the door at the Stadium of Light.

After being axed by Rangers earlier this season with the Light Blues struggling in the Scottish Premiership, the Londoner lasted just 12 games in charge on the English Championship after falling to six defeats during his brief tenure. The 2-1 defeat to Tony Mowbray's Birmingham City proved to be the final straw for the Wearside club - but since his sacking speculation has emerged over the mood behind the scenes.

Suspicions were raised over dressing room tensions when Beale substituted Trai Hume during his final game at Black Cats' boss - with the player offering his hand to his manager before being denied a handshake. While Beale took to social media to clarify that he had not seen the gesture from Hume, reports then surfaced claiming Sunderland's players were unhappy at being called into training as Beale took time off.

However, speaking to We Are Sunderland Beale hit out at the chatter. He said: "Just want to clarify that no players were given extra training after the game at Birmingham.

"All players were off as scheduled on Sunday and back into training yesterday as normal. Saturday was our third game in seven days and the day off was needed for everyone as planned.

"I hope the club find the right manager moving forwards. The fans deserve to get back to the Premier League where a club of this size belongs. I wish the club every success moving forwards. The players and staff were a pleasure to work with and reports of issues behind the scenes are a long way wide of the mark."