Jermain Defoe has revealed that the majority of the Sunderland players wanted Dick Advocaat to stay on as head coach after guiding the team to Premier League safety.
The Dutchman was drafted in during the second half of the season to replace Gus Poyet and was given the task of steering the Black Cats away from the relegation zone.
The 67-year-old did just that, but he decided against signing a new three-year deal as he intends to retire with his wife.
"He had a job to do when he came in and he did what was required," Defoe told Sky Sports News. "I think the fans would have loved to have seen him stay on, and probably most of the players. I made a few jokes, like 'I'll see you next season', and he sort of laughed it off."
Recently-sacked Derby County boss Steve McClaren has been linked with the position at the Stadium of Light.
