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.

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.

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.

Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher has been ruled out for the rest of the season in what is a mammoth blow to the club's bid to avoid relegation. F...

Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher and Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher were both included in the Scotland squad for the World Cup qualifi...

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

Wolverhampton Wanderers have sold Matt Jarvis and Steven Fletcher to West Ham United and Sunderland respectively, earning £22m from the transfers. ...

Wolverhampton Wanderers have rejected a bid in excess of £12m from Sunderland for Steven Fletcher. Already the Molineux club have snubbed offers o...

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