Poyet proud of Sunderland stay

Soon after Dick Advocaat revealed his ambitions and plans as the new boss at the Stadium of Light on Friday, Poyet opened up for the first time after his sacking in the wake of the 4-0home defeat by Aston Villa.

It was a result that left the club perched just a point above thePremier League relegation zone, but Poyet insisted he left the club after 18 months at the helm with hishead held high.

In a statement released on his behalf by the League Managers'Association, the 47-year-old Uruguayansaid:"Certainly I am very disappointed to have left Sunderland, but Iam extremely honoured to have served this special club as their manager.

"When I arrived in October 2013, Sunderland had played seven matches and lostsix, gaining only one point, and they were bottom of the Barclays PremierLeague.

"Thirty-one matches later at the end of the season, we had won 10 and drawneight, taking us to the complete safety of 14th position. I will always remember fondly that miracle unbeaten run, a vein of form for which I was honoured to be short-listed for the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Year Award.

"I leave Sunderland feeling proud of all of our achievements during my tenure,not least reaching the club's first cup final in 22 years, when we took morethan 30,000 fans to the Capital One Cup Final at Wembley.

"Of the three Tyne-Wear derby matches since I joined the club as manager, I amvery proud that we were able to win all three, two of which were away fromhome."

Poyet won only one of his last 12 games in charge with his finalsix games bringing just one goal in total with his side scoring just 23 times in 29 league games.

Poyet was appointed in an attempt to bring stability to the club after Paolo diCanio's brief but tempestuous reign, and while he was disappointed to lose hisjob, he thanked chairman Ellis Short for appointing him.

He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank chairman Ellis Shortfor giving me my first opportunity to manage in the Barclays Premier League,without a doubt the greatest league in the world.

"I also thank my staff for their valuable assistance, the players for alltheir efforts and, in particular, the fans, who demonstrate such unbelievablepassion for the club.

"I sincerely wish everyone connected with Sunderland the very best for theremainder of the season and beyond."