Monday 23 April 2018 13:44, UK
Chris Coleman must be given the opportunity to help Sunderland get back into the Championship, according to former player Michael Gray.
The Black Cats were relegated to League One for only the second time in the club's history following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Burton.
Coleman, who joined Sunderland from managing Wales in November, apologised to fans and described the situation as "brutally painful".
Gray insists Coleman should continue at the helm and told Premier League Daily: "He's got that enthusiasm, he's really trying but it's obviously difficult at the moment - his hands are tied.
"He needs funds to strengthen the squad; he needs to bring in a better quality of player to give him that opportunity.
"We've got an enthusiastic manager who has ambitions of managing in the Premier League but that's going to take time but we have to stay with him.
"Him coming out and saying he wants to stay at the club and fight to get into the Championship is really good news."
Gray also believes the club's problems lie with their recruitment.
"I have to look at the top, the way the club's being run over the last couple of seasons," he added. "We've got somebody in charge who doesn't want to be at the club anymore.
"[Chairman Ellis Short] tried when he came in and spent a lot of money. It hasn't worked for him and you have to question the recruitment at the club.
"[Chief executive] Martin Bain has been in charge at the club for a while now bringing in the players and with the greatest respect I don't think that half of those players in the squad should be anywhere near playing in a Sunderland shirt."
Sunderland, whose relegation was sealed with two matches to go, face Fulham at Craven Cottage next Friday, live on Sky Sports.
They then host Championship winners Wolves on May 6.
