O'Neill speaks out- I'll be back
The appointment of Paolo di Canio has diverted attention away from O’Neill’s dismissal after just 15 months in charge of the club.
It’s the first time that O’Neill has ever been sacked with some people speculating that he may never return to management.
For now however the former Celtic boss is baffled that he is no longer involved in the battle to avoid relegation from the Premiership.
“I’m still disappointed and frustrated as much as anything else but life goes on,” he told BBC 5 Live. “The disappointment more than anything else has had an effect but there is an element of everything.
“I’m in the business now where very little shocks you about professional football, particularly in the last 10 years. You can lose your job if your tie doesn’t fit your suit.
“With the experience I’ve had over the years I thought…also perhaps coming into the football club as well, when the club was pretty much on its knees and I saved the club from relegation, that opportunity still should have been afforded to me.”
Di Canio will be in charge of Sunderland for the first time on Sunday at Chelsea with the Italian quick to make an impact on the training ground.
Adam Johnson said: “It’s been a lot different. He’s come in and everything has just been turned upside down so quickly, so everyone is still getting used to it. But so far so good, really.
“I think he’s probably going to get the best out of the lads and I think he demands the best and obviously we’ve got to work so hard. That’s probably what we need.
“Everybody is very excited.
“He’s full of enthusiasm and energy. He just demands the best from his players. I think if you do well for him I think he’s going to be a great manager to work for.
“Any time a new manager comes in, people are a little bit stand-off and you don’t know how to react.
“Everything happens so quickly. One day you turn up and a new manager turns up. It’s difficult, but I’m sure over the course of time everything will fit into.”