WANDERERS boss Ian Evatt has called Sunderland’s decision to sack Lee Johnson “absolute madness”.

The Black Cats made the decision to part ways with Johnson following their 6-0 defeat at the UniBol over the weekend.

Evatt admits football can be “a very cruel game” and says he is thankful for the support of Bolton chairman Sharon Brittan and the board.

He said: “They were joint-top and had lost one game since November (before Saturday).

“Football is a very cruel game. I feel for Lee – I don’t ever want to see anyone lose their jobs. I also feel incredibly and blessed that I have the board and owner that I do.

“Being top of the league before a Saturday and losing your job at 5 o’clock – it’s flabbergasting.”

Johnson leaves the Stadium of Light with Sunderland third in the League One table as they bid to win promotion back to the Championship.

Evatt called the 40-year-old “an excellent manager” and backed him to make a successful return to management down the line.

“That can happen to any manager on any given day,” he added. “It’s crazy. Out of 75 games I think he won 40-odd. I don’t know what people want or expect.

“I also read that he’s the longest-serving Sunderland boss since Steve Bruce. That’s not Watford extremes but it’s still too many.

“Managers need to be given time and a chance. Lee is an excellent manager. As I said before the game on Saturday, they play a great brand of football.

“This isn’t an easy league to get out of – you’re going to have ups and downs. Just because you’re Bolton, Sunderland or Wigan – it doesn’t give you a right to win games.

“You have to earn it and that takes time. I’m gutted for Lee but I’m sure he’ll be back and he’ll prove to everyone again what a great manager he is.”

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