Former Sunderland defender Kevin Kilbane says they must give manager David Moyes time.
The former Manchester United and Everton boss has had a nightmare start at the Stadium of Light, picking up just one point from their opening four Premier League games.
Kilbane told the Daily Star: “David and Sunderland are the perfect fit. But everyone has to be realistic. There were difficulties in the transfer market which stemmed from David getting the job so late. He wasn't able to get his No.1 targets.
“So those he has ended up with are not established Premier League players and not the signings he'd have wanted to make long-term.
“Sunderland need continuity. David can give them that – providing they stick by him."