Dick Advocaat says mind made up on Sunderland future

Dick Advocaat says he has decided his Sunderland future, but he was not giving the game away after a 2-2 draw with West Ham.

Advocaat was understood to be considering his position in the run-up to the game, with Sunderland bottom and still winless in this season's Premier League.

They remain without a win after blowing a two-goal lead at home to the Hammers and, although "very proud" at the performance of his players, Advocaat would not confirm he will still be in charge after the international break.

He told Sky Sports: "I cannot say that. For me today it was more important the way the team played, and not so important about my future."

Asked at his press conference whether he had made a decision on his future, the 68-year-old said "yes" without elaborating.

Sunderland were dominant right up until first-half injury-time and worth more than a 2-0 lead given them by goals from Steven Fletcher and Jeremain Lens.

But Fabio Borini missed the chance for a third, Carl Jenkinson scored right on half-time and Lens was sent off in the second half for two yellow cards.

Almost immediately Dimitri Payet equalised, and the game finished 2-2 as Sunderland's 10 men defended stoutly in the final half-hour.

Advocaat said: "I'm very proud. We deserved three points today, and the way we played in the first half was the best game I've seen from the team.

"We had to score three, four goals. The two we scored were brilliant, and we needed a bit of luck to get to half-time at 2-0. That makes everything easier.

"Then Lens' red card was a difficult moment, but at the end the team kept going. I'm very pleased with what they did today.

"I know what's going on here and I know the players. We have a team who always like to work in training, so sometimes I cannot do what I want because they are good guys, but today they showed what they can really do and it's good for the future of the club."