<text>  Sunderland finally cut ties with manager Gus Poyet on Monday after a 4-0 home defeat by fellow strugglers Aston Villa left the Wearside club just one point above the relegation zone in the Barclays Premier League. With that in mind, Sportsmail have Sunderland fan Joe Cooper of 90min.com to tell us what he makes of the situation. Is Dick Advocaat a suitable short-term replacement for Poyet? Lets see what he had to say. Gus Poyets sacking as manager of Sunderland couldnt have come soon enough. Chairman Ellis Short took the decision on Monday and its hard to argue that it wasnt the right call. The relationship just wasnt working, our supporters know it and they didnt hesitate to show the Uruguayan their dissatisfaction on a grim afternoon on Wearside on Saturday. Theres a better fit out there. And while weve been clamouring for a change at the helm over the course of the last few months, its become glaringly obvious that Poyet himself didnt want to remain in charge either. Gus Poyets sacking as Sunderland manager could not come soon enough for the struggling clubs fans . The relationship between Poyet, the clubs board and their fans was not working and the move was correct . Angry Sunderland supporters attempt to confront Poyet during the 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday . Additionally, Poyets moniker of head coach meant he was not in primary charge of signing players. Hed made it obvious that it wasnt something he was comfortable with. An unhealthy relationship at the top rolls downwards, as with any business. Poyets attitude had transcended onto the pitch and it has been having a terrible effect. Saturday was the cast-iron evidence of that. We are just a point above the Barclays Premier Leagues relegation zone following the home 4-0 drubbing to Aston Villa. Bear in mind that this was a team with the leagues worst attack and theyd put four past us before half-time. Poyets position had become untenable. Dick Advocaat comes to the Wearside club with a wealth of experience from around European football . Advocaat has never managed in England before but is reportedly in line for a 500,000 survival bonus . The decision to remove Poyet doesnt reek of desperation, given Advocaats appointment within 24 hours . Our situation looks precarious, but its worth remembering that it could be far worse. Its the right time for Poyet to leave. Something needed to be done before it was too late. Luckily, weve not quite reached that stage yet - theres nine games to save ourselves. Weve moved swiftly in hiring a replacement, which is always promising. The decision to remove Poyet doesnt exactly reek of desperation, given former Rangers and Dutch national coach Dick Advocaat was brought in within 24 hours. Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher look disconsolate for Sunderland upfront on Saturday afternoon . One fan roars towards the bench as Poyets tenure as manager drew to its inevitable close on Saturday . Another supporter holds up a hand-written sign with the message Poyet out - his wish was granted on Monday . Advocaat has been handed the job on a short-term basis. As well as the wealth of managerial experience he brings, the reported 500,000 hell pocket to avoid relegation is enough of a motivation. Hes no spring chicken at 67, but Advocaat has spoken of his own hunger to prove himself in the Premier League. Hes got the knowledge under his belt to do that. Theres enough reason for the fans to be confident that we can stay up. New managers inevitably inject a shot in the arm to their players in their first few weeks. It should be enough to carry us through to the end. You only have to look at Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion to see the impact that both new managers have had on the teams fortunes. Sam Allardyce has been touted as a potential replacement after an impressive season with West Ham . Steve McClaren looks Premier League-bound either with Derby County or one of many interested clubs . Our long-term aspirations may be higher than merely fighting relegation, but its now a case of seeing this season out before starting afresh again next term. It likely wont be Advocaat to take us beyond this summer, but with the likes of Sam Allardyce and Steve McClaren - who have both had promising seasons at their respective clubs - linked as Poyets long-term successor, things are looking up. Poyet had reached the point of no return, so its time to start afresh. Again. HULL . Chelsea Home - March 22 . Swansea Away - April 4 . Southampton Away - April 11 . Liverpool Home - April 18 . Crystal Palace Away - April 25 . Arsenal Home - May 2 . Burnley Home - May 9 . Tottenham Away - May 16 . Man United Home - May 24 . ASTON VILLA . Swansea Home - March 21 . Man United Away - April 4 . Tottenham Away - April 11 . Man City Away - April 25 . Everton Home - May 2 . West Ham Home - May 9 . Southampton Away - May 16 . Burnley Home - May 24 . QPR Home - Date to be arranged . SUNDERLAND . West Ham Away - March 21 . Newcastle Home - April 5 . Crystal Palace Home - April 11 . Stoke Away - April 25 . Southampton Home - May 2 . Everton Away - May 9 . Leicester Home - May 16 . Chelsea Away - May 24 . Arsenal Away - Date to be arranged . BURNLEY . Southampton Away - March 21 . Tottenham Home - April 5 . Arsenal Home - April 11 . Everton Away - April 18 . Leicester Home - April 25 . West Ham Away - May 2 . Hull Away - May 9 . Stoke Home - May 16 . Aston Villa Away - May 24 . QPR . Everton Home - March 22 . West Brom Away - April 4 . Chelsea Home - April 12 . West Ham Home - April 25 . Liverpool Away - May 2 . Man City Away - May 9 . Newcastle Home - May 16 . Leicester Away - May 24 . Aston Villa Away - Date to be arranged . LEICESTER . Tottenham Away - March 21 . West Ham Home - April 4 . West Brom Away - April 11 . Swansea Home - April 18 . Burnley Away - April 25 . Chelsea Home - April 29 . Newcastle Home - May 2 . Southampton Home - May 9 . Sunderland Away - May 16 . QPR Home - May 24 . Note: Fixtures in May subject to change for television schedule. For more Sunderland fan views or to join the conversation visit . 