SUNDERLAND, England - Sunderland fired manager Gus Poyet on Monday in a late attempt to retain its place in the Premier League.

The 47-year-old Uruguayan leaves Sunderland after less than 18 months in charge with the team a point above the relegation zone with nine games to go. Sunderland has won only four of its 29 league matches — the same as last-place Leicester.

Ellis Short, the American owner who rewarded Poyet with a new two-year contract in May, lost patience after a 4-0 home loss to Aston Villa. Last season, there was the high of reaching the League Cup final, but Sunderland avoided relegation by five points.

"I would like to thank Gus for his endeavours during his time at the club, in particular last season's 'great escape' and cup final appearance, which will live long in the memory of every Sunderland fan," Short said on Sunderland's website.

"Sadly, we have not made the progress that any of us had hoped for this season and we find ourselves battling, once again, at the wrong end of the table. We have therefore made the difficult decision that a change is needed."

Sunderland said an announcement about Poyet's successor would come "in due course."

Former Netherlands coach Dick Advocaat has been touted as a short-term solution until the end of the season. But the 67-year-old Advocaat, who is out of work, has never managed in England.