Lee Johnson has issued an emotional goodbye to Sunderland supporters following his recent dismissal.
The Black Cats decided to part ways with the 40-year-old following the humiliating six-goal thrashing at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
Johnson spent 13 months in the hotseat at the Stadium of Light, leading the club to the Papa John's Trophy last season and leaving the Black Cats third in the League One table.
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Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus stressed 'immediate change' was needed if the club is to secure a return to the Championship at the fourth time of asking.
Former Black Cats boss Roy Keane is considered the number one target to take charge, although reports suggest an appointment is unlikely ahead of the clash with Doncaster Rovers on Saturday.
Johnson is confident he has left Sunderland on the 'right path' to achieve their immediate and long-term goals, and has thanked fans and supporters in a farewell message.
His statement on the LMA website reads : "Firstly, I would like to thank Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Kristjaan Speakman and the Board of Directors for allowing me the opportunity to be Head Coach at this great Club.
"To all the staff, whether that be my coaching team, players, the office staff, academy, training ground and stadium operations, your efforts have been nothing short of extraordinary. You are the heartbeat of the club and you should all be very proud.
"There are some amazing people within Sunderland AFC and some of you will be friends for life. Whether it be Karen Casey going above and beyond the call of duty, Joyce Rome’s fierce and unwavering support, or those who participated in our staff 6-a-side games on Fridays, there are far too many heroes at that football club to name you all.
"Upon arrival, my remit was changing the playing philosophy at the club, reducing the average age of the first team squad, and all the while competing for and gaining promotion. I leave the Football Club knowing we were on the right path, which gives me incredible satisfaction. I tried to lead the team with honesty and integrity from the moment I stepped through the door. I am extremely proud of the hard work put in by a talented set of players and staff. Working together tirelessly on the training ground with such quality has been an honour.
"Collectively we have achieved a lot in a short space of time, often in difficult circumstances. In the calendar year of 2021, we achieved the highest points per game average in the entire EFL, won the Papa John’s Trophy at Wembley, were amongst the highest goal scoring teams in the EFL, and took the Club to a Quarter Final of the Carabao Cup.
"During which I hope the Sunderland fans have found that love of a matchday once more, reconnecting with their Football Club with a collective pride of the hard work being done to play a brand of football to entertain as well as succeed.
"I have spent many hours helping Stuart Harvey and Kristjaan Speakman in recruiting top quality, often youth international talent and I am grateful to my football friends and contacts in football for their counsel and aiding us in recruiting those players at extraordinary value. We have also protected the pathway for young players from the Academy of Light.
"Making sure opportunities were there for the best home-grown players to get the minutes they need to develop within the First Team. That unique connection to the community, of one of their own representing them, is so important at Sunderland. Dan Neil is now an example for others to follow and his recent England call up is a credit to all.
"A special mention goes out to the Sunderland fans. Arriving in a pandemic with empty stadiums was strange to begin with but I am so glad we got to experience the passion that you guys bring to the Stadium of Light on match days. The attendances at this level are something you would not get at many clubs in the entire world.
"The experience has exceeded my every expectation, and I have felt a real connection with every Mackem I’ve met. It is a shame I couldn’t see the potential promotion through for you all, which was something I wanted to deliver for those that deserve it most. I was confident the work we did in January added the final pieces of the puzzle we needed to get there. I believe that this squad is ready now and I for one will be happy to watch them take you there.
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"Finally, I would like to thank my immediate family, my wife Nicola and my daughter Izzy, who sacrificed so much to allow me to pursue my dream of managing this iconic football club.
"I have absolutely loved my time in the North East and am very grateful for the experience of managing Sunderland AFC. Nothing would make me happier than to see the club rise back to the top."
