Gus Poyet SACKED by Sunderland after thrashing by Aston Villa  

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Sunderland have sacked manager Gus Poyet in the wake of Saturday’s humiliating 4-0 defeat at home to Aston Villa.

The result leaves the Black Cats one point and one place above the drop zone and owner Ellis Short believes a change of manager is needed to avoid relegation.

Poyet – who leaves after 17 months in charge – was informed of the club’s decision having taken training at the Academy of Light on Monday morning. 

Gus Poyet has been sacked by Sunderland with the club just one point above the relegation zone

Sunderland fans turned on manager Poyet during the defeat by Aston Villa on Saturday 

Sportsmail reported earlier in the day that influential sporting director Lee Congerton had advised Short to sack Poyet.

A statement on the club's website confirmed the news on Monday afternoon, in which Short said: '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. 

Goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon looks dejected as Sunderland were thrashed at home by Villa

Gabriel Agbonlahor scored two of Aston Villa's goals in the 4-0 win on Saturday

'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’s position had become untenable after a breakdown in relationship with Congerton and the club’s fans, thousands of whom streamed for the exits with the team trailing by four at half-time against Villa.

A handful of supporters even tried to storm the dugout while some targeted the directors’ box – including chief executive Margaret Byrne - leaving the club hierarchy in no doubt that a change was necessary.

Holland boss Dick Advocaat has already spoken to the club about a short-term deal until the end of the season and he could be installed before Saturday’s trip to West Ham.

Congerton is close to Frank Arnesen – they worked together at Chelsea and Hamburg – and he is thought to have recommended Advocaat for the role.

The new man will inherit a team which has won just once in 12 matches and is without a home goal in more than five hours. 

Poyet leaves Sunderland after just over a year in charge 

Poyet was appointed by Sunderland in October 2013 following the sacking of Paolo Di Canio

They were dumped out of the FA Cup by League One Bradford City last month and away fans fought among themselves at Valley Parade.

Bizarrely, Poyet blamed the Press for Sunderland’s woes after that game but his excuses did not wash with supporters.

Former Rangers and Holland manager Dick Advocaat is one name in the frame to take over

The goodwill generated by last season’s League Cup final appearance and their escape from relegation in the final weeks of the campaign had long since evaporated and few fans will be mourning his departure.

Poyet’s backroom team of Mauricio Taricco and Charlie Oatway are also expected to leave the club.

The next home match sees North-East rivals Newcastle visit the Stadium of Light on Easter Sunday.