Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson has said that Sunderland had little choice but to sack manager Gus Poyet, following the team's run of poor results.

Poyet's contract at the Stadium of Light was terminated yesterday after their 4-0 defeat at home to relegation rivals Aston Villa, and Thompson has described the decision as "logical".

He told Sky Sports News: "I think it's the right decision for all concerned. Poyet's position became untenable after Saturday's result. The scenes were pretty ugly and, do you know what, I think Gus will actually be relieved with the decision.

"I think he'll be happy that he's now out of the situation. He didn't look in the right frame of mind on Saturday so I think it was the logical decision. Sometimes, even when you're giving it your best, it just isn't enough and it just doesn't work, and I think that's the way it was going for Gus and Sunderland."

Dick Advocaat is favourite to be named as Poyet's replacement on a deal until the end of the season.

Sunderland sit 17th in the Premier League table and have won just four league games all season.