SAM ALLARDYCE feels the Premier League has lost one of its leading lights following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal from Chelsea.

Mourinho was sacked this afternoon, less than two days before Sunderland travel to Stamford Bridge to take on a Chelsea side who find themselves just a point above the relegation zone despite having won the title last season.

Allardyce and Mourinho have had their run-ins in the past, with the Portuguese boss accusing his fellow manager of presiding over “19th Century football” during his time with West Ham United.

However, they became close when they led opposing sides at the biennial Soccer Aid charity game, and Allardyce thinks the Premier League will be poorer in the wake of Mourinho’s departure.

“I got to know him, and I am sad to see one of the best managers in world football leaving this country again,” said the Sunderland boss. “Because I don’t think he will stay here.

“It is disappointing. Like everything else, we all fall in the same category. The expectation is to win matches at football clubs, and if we don’t we lose our position – unless you are like me (at Newcastle United) and new owners come in and they don’t want you. And your results don’t matter.

“I think as the Premier League loses him, it is a big loss to this country.”

How Twitter reacted to the sacking:

"Putting it out there, next manager for @ChelseaFC go British @GlennHoddle unfinished business and the best tactical coach I worked under! ⚽️." - Former Chelsea defender @FrankmSinclair is already looking at who the next man might be.

"Mourinho - Ancelotti- Guardiola (probably) - Low (after Euro I think) all free-agents in 2016. It's gonna be interesting...In 5 years time Mourinho will be back as Manager at Chelsea," former Norway striker Jan Aage Fjortoft (@janaagefjortoft) does not think this is the last we will see of the Special One at Stamford Bridge

"I know there's been plenty of rumours but still shocked to hear of Mourinho's sacking. Who is out there that's better! Could be a huge fight looming for Guardiola's services between Chelsea and the Manchester clubs." - Former England striker Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) was surprised.

"Jose sacked....hmm." Celebrity Chelsea fan and TV presenter Tim Lovejoy (@timlovejoy) is not so sure.

"Jose gone.....pep in next...???" - Former England defender Rio Ferdinand also mentions who might be the next man in at Stamford Bridge.

"The Special One will always be Special and he'll be back of that i'm sure..." - West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady (@karren_brady) expects Mourinho to bounce back

"Eva Carneiro!" - Match of the Day presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) pokes fun when asked who Chelsea's next manager will be.

"Mourinho to Man United!!" - Former Arsenal striker turned pundit John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) predicts where Mourinho might end up.

"Jose ... Look at the positives ... 40 Million banked and you won't have to go to Rotherham next year... #Mourinho." - Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan thinks Chelsea are going down.

"Terrible news to wake up to here in Aus! You gave us more pleasure than most, Jose! Thank you, Thank you! #CFC" - Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) knows what it's like to be shown the door.

"Jose. Come to Amazon." - Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) makes light of the decision.