Sunderland Sack Manager Gus Poyet

Sunderland AFC have dismissed Gustavo Poyet as head coach after a dismal run of results.

The 46-year-old leaves the Tyneside club 17th in the Premier League standings, one point above the relegation zone.

Club Chairman Ellis Short said in a statement: “I would like to thank Gus for his endeavours 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.

Sunderland Sack Gustavo Poyet One Year and 14 Days after Leading the Black Cats Out at the Capital One Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Image: Getty.
Sunderland Sack Gustavo Poyet One Year and 14 Days after Leading the Black Cats Out at the Capital One Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Image: Getty.

“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.”

Poyet was named permanent successor to Paolo Di Canio in October 2013. The Uruguayan helped guarantee the Black Cats’ top-flight safety seven months later, becoming just the second manager in the history of the Premier League- since Bryan Robson at West Brom- to help an English team avoid the drop after being in the relegation zone at Christmas with a game to spare.

He also led the club to the final of the Capital One Cup last season at Wembley, where they were beaten by Manchester City 3-1.

The former Brighton and Hove manager also ended Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea unbeaten home run in April 2014, when Sunderland secured a 2-1 win a Stamford Bridge.

Sunderland are winless in six league matches and lost 2-0 at giant-killing Bradford City in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

They face a tricky away game at West Ham, Arsenal, Everton and Chelsea in their remaining nine matches of the campaign. Sunderland begin life after the ex-Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder with a visit to Boleyn Ground next weekend. the new manager’s first home game is a derby match at home to Newcastle.