Sunderland confirmed on Thursday that Under-23 coach Elliott Dickman has left the club for rivals Newcastle United.

And, as to be expected, a number of Black Cats supporters have been reacting to the update on social media.

Dickman spent over 25 years with Sunderland as a player and in the coaching department, taking the lead coach role for the Under-23s in his most recent position.

He guided the club’s Under-23s to two finals during his four-year stint in charge, losing on penalties to Crystal Palace back in May in the Premier League 2 Division 1 playoff final.

Dickman has now left to take up a similar role with Newcastle, with Sunderland thanking the 43-year-old for his ‘immense contribution’ at the club.

Sunderland fans react

This is what these Black Cats fans had to say in reply after the club officially confirmed Dickman’s exit on Twitter, with one labelling it as ‘odd’ and another sarcastically saying they are 'gutted'.

“Damn the mags have all the gear with no idea Good Riddance”

Credit: @Anonymou5Archer

““Best of luck in your new role” rank. Delete. Judas”

Credit: @PR_1879

“Now it’s been confirmed, any further thoughts on this? It’s difficult to assess what job a coach like Dickman has and hasn’t achieved from the outside. Is he a loss to us? Are Newcastle gaining much? Seems an odd appointment for them”

Credit: @WiseMenSayPod

“Big miss big shoes to fill for the person to continue development of good young players we have at this club”

Credit: @JoshGib76204214

“abso gutted dickmans left, generational manager, massive massive loss”

Credit: @niallsafc_

“Should have happened years ago”

Credit: @rosstitute73

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