Former Sunderland captain Michael Gray says Dick Advocaat isn't to blame for their dismal start to the season.

Gray says the club's struggles run far deeper than the manager.

"The performances just seem to be getting worse and worse," he told talkSPORT.

"There are players at that football club that have been there too long. They are comfortable because they know they are going to play on a weekly basis without pressure.

"The last players to come through the ranks at Sunderland were Jordan Henderson and Jack Colback. They used to give youngsters an opportunity.

"Now, it is such a strange situation. You speak to some of the fans and they can't put their finger on their problems.

"I used to think it was the manager's fault but I can't put it down to Dick Advocaat because I think he is the right man.

"For some reason, it frightens the players to play at the Stadium of Light."