It's not good enough, though, for these clubs simply survive. Despite both having had relegations in their recent history, they should be well-established Premier League clubs. They now need to make sure this is a one-off, and the mistakes of this season are not repeated.

Paolo Di Canio's first match in charge sees Sunderland head to Stamford Bridge without a win in their last seven games.

Sunderland fans spent the better half of a decade dreaming of Martin O'Neill being in charge; after just over a year, it's turned into a nightmare. The Northern Irishman's appointment was supposed to be a storybook wedding; it's ended more like a Hollywood one. There's no happy ending here.

Paolo di Canio's appointment as Sunderland manager has prompted a section of supporters to boycott the club, after he had to deny he was racist. Fo...

Martin O'Neill tonight parted company with Sunderland after the Black Cats slipped deeper into relegation trouble. The 61-year-old's departure was ...

Given Fletcher's importance, it's not particularly good news for the Black Cats, even without taking into consideration that they're sitting just four points above the drop-zone, have won just two league games since the start of the year, are currently are without a win in seven matches and their next four fixtures include Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton.

He may not be mentioned in the same breath as the world's best, and nor should he be. But given he's only 24, there's every chance he could be one day.

James McClean, the Sunderland winger, has received death threats after he chose not to wear a poppy for their Premier League fixture at Everton last w...

When the most successful British manager of all time eventually retires (or passes on, having endured yet another Nani dribble down a blind alley), who should he hand over his hairdryer and rock-hard lump of wrigleys to? I run down some candidates.

Friday 24 August 2012. Remember the date, it could well be a defining one in the future of Sunderland AFC.

Carlos Cuellar has become the first signing in what could be a busy summer for Martin O'Neill and his Sunderland side.