Gus Poyet has become the seventh Premier League managerial casualty of the season after he was sacked by Sunderland this afternoon.
The Uruguyan has overseen a recent run of just one top-flight win in twelve matches while he has managed to guide his team to just two home wins all season.
The writing was on the wall after half of the near-46,000 fans, who attended Saturday's humiliating 4-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Aston Villa, walked out of the Stadium of Light.
Poyet has been in charge of the team, skippered by Irish veteran defender John O'Shea, for 17 months since the departure of controversial Italian, Paolo Di Canio.
Former Holland and Rangers boss dick Advocaat has emerged as the early favourite to take over the reins but it would most likely be a short-term appointment.
The club's owner Ellis Short is believed to be pursuing high-flying Derby County manager Steve McClaren who is also a target for the Makems' bitter rivals Newcastle United.
