Former Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has said he is "very disappointed" to have been sacked by the Premier League strugglers but was "honoured" to have been boss at the Stadium of Light.
Poyet was axed after a 4-0 home defeat to Aston Villa -- in which all the visitors' goals came before the break -- left them a point above the relegation zone.
In a statement issued through the League Managers Association, he said: "Certainly I am very disappointed to have left Sunderland, but I am extremely honoured to have served this special club as their manager.
"When I arrived in October 2013, Sunderland had played seven matches and lost six, gaining only one point, and they were bottom of the Premier League.
"Thirty-one matches later, at the end of the season, we had won 10 and drawn eight, 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 shortlisted for the Premier League Manager of the Year award."
The Uruguayan said he was "proud of all of our achievements during my tenure," which included reaching last season's Capital One Cup final, in which Sunderland were beaten by Manchester City.
He also presided over Sunderland victories in the three derbies against arch-rivals Newcastle played during his time at the club.
And he said: "I sincerely wish everyone connected with Sunderland the very best for the remainder of the season and beyond."
Poyet has been succeeded by Dick Advocaat, who has signed a deal until the end of the season.
The Dutchman, who takes his new team to West Ham at the weekend, said: "We have nine games to go and are still a point ahead, so we have everything in our own hands.
"There is enough quality in this squad to stay up. It's all up to us, and I have a good feeling about it."