Breaking News: Sunderland sack long-suffering manager Gus Poyet

Sunderland, 13/8 with Coral to be relegated, have parted company with Gus Poyet following a heavy 4-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.

Poyet’s response after the match about him losing the locker room, was one of surprise: “If I did, then I am living in another world. It is totally not the case.”

However, this admission did little to appease the club’s board, who are now reportedly seeking a short term replacement to plug the gap.

This is not the first time the Black Cats have been subjected to a heavy defeat this season, after Southampton crushed them 8-0 at St Mary’s in October. The last time Sunderland won in the Premier League was at the end of January, beating relegation rivals Burnley 2-0, though before that, Poyet, in arguably his biggest achievement this term motivated a 1-0 away victory over fierce rivals Newcastle United.

Sunderland’s latest defeat was reminiscent of the one against the Saints. The player’s heads went down, and there was little in the form of a response. It is arguably this which aggrieves the high-ups. If a manager can’t motivate or inspire his players to fight for him or the cause, then he should be deemed surplus to requirements.

Last season was a different story. The Black Cats fought and scrapped for every point, and had miraculous away victories against Chelsea and Manchester United, plus a draw at the Etihad.

Sam Allardyce 7/1 is thought to be the preferred choice to replace Poyet, though West Ham United will not allow the 60-year-old to leave before the end of the campaign, and even then, the north east club would struggle to sway him. Dick Advocaat, however is the odds-on favourite at 4/7 could be an option short term, having recently been sacked by Serbia, though the Dutchman has a good record at club level.

Managerial Candidates for Sunderland post