Sunderland right to sack manager Gus Poyet, says Phil Thompson

Gus Poyet’s sacking as Sunderland manager was the correct decision for all parties concerned, according to Sky Sports pundit Phil Thompson.

The Uruguayan was relieved of his duties on Monday in the wake of the Black Cats’ 4-0 thrashing by relegation rivals Aston Villa -  a result which prompted widespread dismay at the Stadium of Light.

Poyet leaves the club languishing just a point and a place above the Premier League relegation zone, and Thompson believes that ultimately the correct decision was made.

<a href="http://www.skybet.com/go/event/17654827?aff=9713&dcmp=ss_betlink_EditThommoOnPoyet">"I think he’ll be happy that he’s now out of the situation. He didn’t look in the right frame of mind on Saturday so I think it was the logical decision."</a>

“I think it’s the right decision for all concerned – Poyet’s position became untenable after Saturday’s result,” Thompson told Sky Sports.

“The scenes were pretty ugly and, do you know what, I think Gus will actually be relieved with the decision.

“I think he’ll be happy that he’s now out of the situation. He didn’t look in the right frame of mind on Saturday so I think it was the logical decision.

“Sometimes, even when you’re giving it your best, it just isn’t enough and it just doesn’t work, and I think that’s the way it was going for Gus and Sunderland.”

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With just nine games of the season remaining for Sunderland to try to preserve their Premier League status, the attention now turns to Poyet’s replacement.

And Thompson believes the club may opt for a short-term replacement to guide them to safety before finding a permanent manager at the end of the season.

“It’s difficult to see who will come in. Sam Allardyce is a good fit but he won’t leave at this stage of the season, so perhaps they’ll get someone in to see them over the line," he said.

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“They could go with an internal appointment, but that doesn’t always work at this level, so they might have to look and see who’s available for the short-term.

“Someone like Dick Advocaat fits the bill. I think it’s a challenge that would appeal to him, even if it’s just for the nine games.

“He’s available and very, very experienced, so maybe that’s the sensible short-term option.”

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