Gus Poyet’s last act as Sunderland manager was to re-watch his side’s incredible collapse against Aston Villa.
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The Uruguayan has been removed from his position at the Stadium of Light with Dutch coach Dick Advocaat the favourite to replace him.
However, despite he and the Black Cats squad knowing of his impending sacking, Poyet still took training as normal, even analysing video footage of their 4-0 defeat to Villa with the players.
The Sun reports Sunderland owner Ellis Short contacted Poyet by phone at around 1pm yesterday and relieved him of his duties.
The club chairman, Short didn’t want to have to take such decisive action until the summer but following their embarrassing defeat on Saturday, and after consulting with director Lee Congerton and chief-exec Margaret Byrne, the tycoon made his decision.
Sunderland now sit just one point clear of the relegation zone and will need a miracle similar to that of last season if they are to avoid dropping into the bottom three and avoiding a potential Premier League exit.