Summary

  • Aston Villa go into play-off places with 2-0 win

  • Third successive league defeat for Preston

  • Brentford now unbeaten in eight league matches with 2-0 success at Birmingham

  • Blues remain two points outside relegation zone

Live Reporting

Adam Williams and Phil Cartwright

  1. Right then, that's you all up to speed with everything from the past 24 hours.

    Now time to turn our attention towards tonight's two Championship fixtures:

    • Birmingham City v Brentford
    • Preston North End v Aston Villa

  2. Tuesday recap

    Were you out "trick or treating" on Tuesday night? If so, here's what you missed in the Championship...

    Bobby ReidRex Features
    • Willy Boly and Leo Bonatini scored in a 2-0 win for Wolves at Norwich which sent Wanderers top of the table.
    • Previous leaders Sheffield United dropped from first to third after losing 1-0 at QPR.
    • Cardiff climbed to second with a 3-1 home win over Ipswich.
    • Bobby Reid scored his ninth league goal of the season in Bristol City's win at Fulham.
    • Sunderland netted a late equaliser to draw with bottom club Bolton - and sacked manager Simon Grayson 17 minutes after the full-time whistle.

  3. What next for Sunderland?

    Sunderland sack Simon Grayson

    What has gone wrong at Sunderland? And is there any hope for their fans?

    BBC Sport's Dan Wheeler has been taking a closer look...

    'It's very difficult to be optimistic'

    As they start looking for their sixth manager since 2013 after Simon Grayson's exit, BBC Sport examines what it is like following Sunderland.

    Read More

  4. Get Involved #bbcefl

    Reaction to Simon Grayson's sacking

    Phil: Sunderland were definitely right to let him go, we had to change something. Give Kevin Ball a chance!

    Cyprian: He deserved to go. Lucky owners were patient. Should have gone early like Frank de Boer. Another relegation a reality though.

    Who should Sunderland appoint next? Get in touch using #bbcefl on social media.

  5. 'Fundamental change was necessary'

    Sunderland sack Simon Grayson

    Simon GraysonRex Features

    In a club statement announcing Simon Grayson's departure, Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain said: "Simon and his team have worked tirelessly to achieve the best for the football club during their time here.

    "While we hoped that Simon's experience in the Football League would help us to a successful season, results have not been good enough for a club of this stature.

    "In order for us to improve upon our current position we believe a fundamental change is necessary."

    Billy McKinlay and Robbie Stockdale will take charge of the team on Sunday when Sunderland face Middlesbrough.

  6. Grayson gone after 18 games

    Sunderland sack Simon Grayson

    Simon GraysonRex Features

    Sunderland drew 3-3 with fellow Championship strugglers Bolton on Tuesday.

    Just 17 minutes after the full-time whistle had been blown, manager Simon Grayson was sacked by the Black Cats.

    Sunderland won only one of their 15 league matches under the 47-year-old and the search is now under way for yet another new manager on Wearside.

  7. Tom Finney statue at DeepdaleRex Features

    Football under the lights. You can't beat it, can you?

    Welcome to BBC Sport's live text coverage of Wednesday's two Championship matches.

    We'll preview Preston v Aston Villa and Birmingham City v Brentford shortly, but first let us bring you up to speed with the biggest story from England's second tier over the past 24 hours...