Official: Sunderland sack manager Gus Poyet

Sunderland has sacked manager Gus Poyet.

Poyet took training on Monday morning with the Sunderland team, but he was sacked afterwards in a pre-arranged meeting with club executives.

Sunderland recently the following statement to confirm the news:

“Sunderland AFC have parted company with head coach Gus Poyet this afternoon.

“The club would like to place on record its’ thanks to Gus and wishes him well for the future.

“Chairman Ellis Short said: ‘I would like to thank Gus for his endeavors during his time at the club, in particular last season’s ‘great escape’ and cup final appearance, which will live long in the memory of every Sunderland fan.

“Sadly, we have not made the progress that any of us had hoped for this season and we find ourselves battling, once again, at the wrong end of the table. We have therefore made the difficult decision that a change is needed.’

“An announcement will be made in due course regarding the head coach position.”

The last straw for Sunderland owner Ellis Short was the team’s 4-0 home defeat against Aston Villa on Saturday. The Black Cats conceded the four goals in the first half, which produced angry displays from the Sunderland fans in addition to hundreds of them streaming out of the stadium in the first 45 minutes of the match.

The club is now looking for a replacement for Poyet with Dick Advocaat and Sam Allardyce the favorites to get the job.