MICHAEL GRAY claims Sunderland could come to “regret” their decision to part company with head coach Tony Mowbray.

Mowbray was dismissed late on Monday evening despite the Black Cats sitting in ninth position in the Championship, just three points adrift of the play-off places.

The former Middlesbrough, Blackburn and Celtic boss led Sunderland into the play-offs last season, losing to eventual winners Luton Town in the semi-finals, but Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman opted to remove him from his role in the wake of last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Millwall.

Sunderland-born Gray was a popular figure on Wearside as he made more than 350 appearances for his hometown club, and is now a respected pundit, and he was shocked by Mowbray’s sudden exit.

Writing on social media, Gray said: “(I’m) shocked. Tony Mowbray overall has done a fantastic job in galvanising the club – well respected by fans and players. I wish him all the best in the future – best of luck in your next appointment Tony. I hope we don’t come to regret your departure.”

Amad Diallo spent last season on loan at Sunderland from Manchester United and developed a close relationship with Mowbray during his time on Wearside.

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Amad has been sidelined for the first half of the current campaign because of a knee injury, but as he approaches a return to full fitness, there were suggestions he would consider a potential loan return to Sunderland in January.

Mowbray’s departure casts doubt over such a scenario occurring, with Amad having reacted on social media in the immediate aftermath of his former boss’ dismissal. “Thanks boss and good luck” messaged Amad, along with a broken heart emoji.

Mowbray also received strong support on social media from one of his former Middlesbrough team-mates, Bernie Slaven.

Slaven played alongside Mowbray as Boro climbed the leagues in the 1980s, and was quick to criticise the removal of his former captain from the head coach role at the Stadium of Light, suggesting instead that Speakman and Louis-Dreyfus should be coming under the microscope for their own decision-making.

Slaven said: “Keep smiling Mogga, it won’t be long till (sic) you’re back in a job. I suppose getting into the play-offs last season and three points off top six this is classed as a failure at Sunderland. Let’s see how they do without you. Sack the guys responsible for bringing players in and letting them go.”