THE timing might have been wrong, but the results were abysmal. Sadly, Martin O’Neill had to go.

On hearing the news of his sacking (Echo, Apr 1) I was saddened, because it was meant to be so different.

A boyhood fan and the fans’ choice as Sunderland manager, the last 15 months were meant to be a step up in fortunes..

Now Sunderland’s destiny lies in a handful of fixtures and a battle against relegation - a plight many will say is a foregone conclusion and life in the Championship next season.

Fans can only hope a new manager might get the bounce from players, keen to impress and secure contracts.

For Sunderland it is essential to stay in the football elite, but that will depend on the manager and how the players respond.

Expectations from the fans and, in recent years, the club and owner Ellis Short have been high, but realistic.

European football should be an achievable target, but the players brought in by Steve Bruce and Martin O’Neill have hardly turned in a decent performance.

Apart from Steven Fletcher’s early goals, players have lacked belief and a will to win.

The manager has to take responsibility for results, but so do the players. The supporters deserve better and now the club must act.

For Martin O’Neill it is the disappointment of what might have been, for the club it is a place it has been to far too often and cannot afford to be.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe.