Sunderland fire Adam Johnson after he pleaded guilty to grooming and sexual activity with a child under 16 years

Club officials were shocked on Wednesday when he admitted one count of grooming and one of sexual activity with a 15-year-old schoolgirl. His trial at Bradford Crown Court on two further counts of sexual activity begins on Friday morning.

A brief club statement was released on Thursday evening, which read: 'In light of Adam Johnson's guilty pleas, the club has today terminated his contract with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment.'

Adam Johnson will begin his trial today.