GUS POYET is desperate to see Sunderland stay up this season – having become a concerned fan since he was sacked by owner Ellis Short two months ago.

Poyet paid the price for a failure to keep the Black Cats away from relegation trouble in the Premier League and the threat significantly increased after winning just one of his last 12 games.

But he is not bitter about his departure and wishes Sunderland well in the remaining three matches of the season after securing a lifeline courtesy of three wins under Dick Advocaat.

Poyet said: “I want Sunderland to win so badly. I am more nervous now watching. I did my best. I just want them to stay up because that was my job. There are plenty of people there who I still care a lot for. I want them to stay in the Premier League.”

Poyet’s 17 months in charge were full of contrasting highs and lows. His highest points were guiding Sunderland to the Capital One Cup final at Wembley while he will never forget the way his team pulled off the Great Escape when he suggested they needed a miracle to stay up.

He is disappointed that things did not work out at the Stadium of Light, though, claiming Sunderland were not too far away from finding that missing ingredient which would have made them a bigger top-flight force.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Goals on Sunday programme, Poyet said: “I always say I am responsible, that I am in charge. I want to thank the owner Ellis Short, the way we left was exceptional because everything was done right.

“We were missing something and I couldn’t find it. We drew 14 games. The difference between winning and losing is one action, just one.

“It’s one goal, one deflected shot, one good or bad decision from the referee. That’s the difference between staying and going. It was very close. Sometimes chairmen have to make decisions.

“We did everything possible. I was doing my best. We changed the shape. We played better with four at the back but did not get the right results. I learned a lot. If I got another opportunity I would do certain things a different way.”

But Poyet, who won all of his games against Newcastle, will never forget the months he had at Sunderland. He said: “It was strange, the ups and downs, we had incredible days and then we couldn’t win games.

“You go there to do one job to keep Sunderland in the Premier League. There were unforgettable days. The derbies ... people would say you only need to do one thing, beat Newcastle. A derby can mark your relationship with the fans. Every derby we played was special while I was there.”