Lawrence criticises McCarthy exit

Lawrence believes a decision could have been made at Christmas

Sunderland's Liam Lawrence criticised the board's decision to sack Mick McCarthy with 10 games left this term.

"Things could have been done at Christmas. I don't understand the timing, it's come at the wrong time for us," Lawrence told Sky Sports.

"All the lads are gutted. When we were told it was a bad atmosphere, everyone was gutted and there was a lot of upset people in there.

"We were all behind Mick. A lot of the lads owe a lot to him."

Howard Wilkinson, who McCarthy succeeded, believes the board should shoulder the blame for the club's problems.

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "It's history re-writing itself. It's about the time they informed me after about four months in charge that I was going to receive the same fate.

"In the last three years Sunderland have had three managers.

"Peter Reid's record before I took over was very good, Mick McCarthy's record was very good and my record, some would argue, was decent.

"All three went but the board who appointed them remained and still remain. So you sometimes question whether the directors should take responsibility in these matters.

"One has to question whether they have the right strategy or if they've got one at all."

Sunderland legend Gary Rowell, who commentates on their games for a local radio station, was also confused by the timing with the club's fate virtually sealed.

He said: "It's been a disastrous season but saying that I'm shocked because the timing seems very strange.

Murray has got to prove to fans they mean business Former Sunderland player Gary Rowell

He told Sky Sports: "We thought when he didn't go a few months ago he would see the season out.

"There's a lot gone wrong - most of his buys haven't come off.

"It was always going to be tough, nobody expected a great deal but to be so far adrift - I don't think anyone expected that."

Rowell called for the board to show their ambition and go for former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill.

He added: "The board have got to meet the challenge and go for the best. If O'Neill turns them down then it is too bad.

"Bob Murray has been under severe pressure all season. Now the ball is firmly in his court. He has got to prove to fans they mean business."