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.

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.

An agonising own-goal by Demba Ba in the 85th minute saw Sunderland draw level with a 10-man Newcastle in the North-East derby on Sunday. In the ki...

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.