Lee Johnson and his assistant Jamie McAllister have been sacked by Sunderland. The news announced on safc.com, comes just a day after the Black Cats suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers. Johnson and McAllister had been in charge of the first team for 14 months. Johnson is the third man to be sacked by Sunderland since they fell into League One in 2018.
Having missed out on promotion last season after defeat by Lincoln City in the playoff semi-finals, reaching the Championship was deemed crucial this time. Despite Sunderland being third in the table. Recent results, and more alarmingly performances, have been poor. The process to appoint a new manager or head coach begins once again on Wearside.
Lee Johnson Sacked Following Disasterous Performance at Bolton Wanderers
Sunderland AFC today announces the departure of Lee Johnson, who leaves the club with immediate effect.
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 30, 2022
Club Statement
Following the dismissal of Lee Johnson, owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus said: “I would like to thank Lee for his commitment and endeavour over the past 14 months. 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.”
Lee Johnson Sacked by Sunderland After 14 Months in Charge
Arriving at the Stadium of Light in December 2020 following the departure of Phil Parkinson, Lee Johnson would go on to be the first manager to lead Sunderland to victory at Wembley since 1973. His team won the Papa Johns Trophy when they beat Tranmere Rovers 1-0. It ended a run of eight appearances at Wembley without a win.
Johnson would win 41 of his 75 games in charge. However, failure to achieve promotion last season and several disastrous performances and results this campaign including the 6-0 at Bolton and 5-1 at Rotherham United has led to owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus losing confidence in his manager.
Johnson leaves Sunderland third in the table two points off the top but they have played four more games than second-placed Wigan Athletic and two more than leaders Rotherham. With other teams closing in behind them Lois-Dreyfus has decided a change is needed if the Black Cats are going to get out of League One.
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