Former Sunderland manager Steve Bruce believes Paolo Di Canio paid the price for an outdated management style after being ousted by the Black Cats on Sunday.

Di Canio’s controversial reign proved a brief one as he parted company with the club after only 13 matches, his exit coming little more than 24 hours after a 3-0 defeat at West Brom left them rooted to the bottom of the table with one point from five games.

It is believed the Italian’s strict regime, unpopular with his players, was key to his departure.

“You cannot manage in the Premier League these days through a fear factor,” Bruce told talkSPORT.

“You’ve got to be able to manage individuals.

“Man management has become more relevant in my experience than coaching.

“It’s never been my style to criticise anyone in public and I’m disappointed for Paolo. He’s a character. A manager’s lost his job.

“Management is a lonely place and he’s lost his job this morning. I feel sorry for any manager in that position. I’ve gone through it and it’s not nice.

“Once you get yourself in the Premier League, they’re all good players and you’ve got to find a way of getting the best out of them.

Meanwhile, Sunderland will take their time to make sure they find the right replacement for Di Canio after launching the search for his successor.

The process of drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements began in earnest yesterday in the wake of the 45-year-old Italian’s exit on Sunday night.

However, Press Association Sport understands owner Ellis Short has an open mind about the identity of the club’s sixth manager in less than five years and will not rush into an appointment.

Development coach Kevin Ball, who had 10 games at the helm as caretaker boss following Mick McCarthy’s departure in March 2006, will take charge of tonight’s League Cup third round tie against Peterborough, and could remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at the Stadium of Light.