Lee Johnson has been dismissed as Sunderland manager in the wake of their humiliating 6-0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers but just over 24 hours before the January transfer window closes.
At just after 7pm on Sunday evening, the Black Cats released the surprise statement confirming Johnson’s 14-month tenure at the Stadium of Light was over, along with assistant Jamie McAllister.
Johnson and McAllister took the job at Sunderland five months after their exit from Bristol City, in the summer of 2020, and the 40-year-old won 40 of 78 matches in charge, leading them to the EFL Trophy at the end of last season.
After a strong start to the season, the Black Cats’ form in 2022 has been patchy with just one win from their last five games and the 6-0 hammering at the hands of Bolton appears to be the final straw for owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
“I would like to thank Lee for his commitment and endeavour over the past 14 months,” said Louis-Dreyfus. “We regret that we have had to take this decision, but felt immediate change was needed.
“We firmly believe that this is in the best interests of Sunderland AFC as we strive to earn promotion this season. Lee and Jamie will always be welcome at the Stadium of Light and they depart with our best wishes.”
Johnson, who was manager of the month in December, leaves with Sunderland third in League One, just a point off the automatic promotion places, although both Wigan Athletic and Rotherham have games in hand.
The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows given no replacement has been confirmed and there is just one day of the transfer window remaining to reinforce the squad with promotion still the aim.
Sunderland did add in their statement that there will be an interim appointment with the process of finding a new head coach commencing immediately.
On Friday, Johnson was claiming there are still two positions he would like strengthen in having made four new signings this month.
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