Reid was sacked by Sunderland on Monday after seven years in the hotseat at the Stadium of Light.

The team are languishing in 17th place in the table, but Cram says Reid's tenure should be celebrated.

"He's been brilliant for the club and Sunderland are on a different planet compared to when he came," the former champions athlete told BBC Sport Online.

"We've played some of the best football I've ever seen at the club and Reid has presided over that with chairman Bob Murray.

"I know the last year or so hasn't been too good, but I honestly think the squad is better than it was two or three years ago anyway," Cram added.

"I think there maybe comes a point when there has to be a change. But I feel disappointed for Reidy more than anything else," he said.

Cram thinks the Sunderland board already has a replacement manager lined up - and he thinks that man is former Leeds manager David O'Leary.

"It seems to me, reading between the lines, that the chairman has already got his man lined up and I think the man might be O'Leary.

"He's a name and he did quite well at Leeds for a period."

Cram hopes the Sunderland fans will remember Reid with affection and that one day they will be able to show their appreciation for him.

"What would be a pity, would be if fans don't get to show their appreciation for Reidy. It would be nice for him to be able to come onto the pitch at the Stadium of Light before a game.

"I'm not sure that it's going to happen because he is quite a proud bloke, but it would be nice."