SUNDERLAND have sacked Lee Johnson in the wake of Saturday's 6-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers.

The Black Cats hierarchy has opted to end Johnson's reign in charge of the club, despite Sunderland sitting in third place in the League One table.

Johnson was named League One Manager of the Month in December, but the Black Cats' form has taken a nosedive since the turn of the year.

Saturday's defeat means Sunderland have won just one of their five matches since the turn of the year, a run of form that has left them two points adrift of league leaders Rotherham, who have played two fewer games, and a point behind Wigan, who have four games in hand on them.

Johnson won 41 of his 75 matches as Sunderland boss, having been appointed as Phil Parkinson's successor in December 2020.

His assistant, Jamie McAllister, has only left the club, with owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman now beginning the search for a new boss.

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."