Sunderland have been relegated to League One, just one year after suffering demotion from the Premier League.

Back-to-back relegations have seen Sunderland go from an established Premier League side to playing in the third tier against the likes of Fleetwood Town and Accrington Stanley.

But knowing they will be a big fish in a small pond next year, Sunderland will be hoping to bounce straight back to the Championship as they attempt to halt their free-fall and start moving back in the right direction.

The future is currently uncertain with Ellis Short looking to sell the club and no permanent manager in place after Chris Coleman was sacked.

But once the club's ownership and the manager is sorted, Sunderland need to start rebuilding by flogging a load of deadwood, keeping their core of key men and signing sensible players for a League One promotion push.

Here is the starting XI that Sunderland should aim for next season.

Sunderland need to get rid of Lee Camp, Robin Ruiter and Jason Steele and bring in a new goalkeeper.

Manchester United youngster Henderson would be an excellent addition on loan after an impressive year for Shrewsbury between the sticks.

The 21-year-old England youth international has a massive future ahead of him and he has already proven that he is a solid and dependable stopper at this level.

Sunderland's defence has been dire this season but Love emerged as an impressive full-back towards the end of the campaign.

The former Manchester United defender will play a starring role next year for Sunderland.

The 23-year-old is finally starting to show why he was so highly rated as a youngster and League One football will be good for his development.

Heneghan has failed to make much of an impact at Sheffield United and could be available for transfer this summer.

While he has struggled to establish himself in the Championship, the former Motherwell defender should be a top performer at League One level.

The 24-year-old is still young for a defender and will only continue to improve with regular playing time.

Sunderland should partner Heneghan with Shrewsbury's Beckles, giving them a completely new-look centre back pairing.

The 26-year-old is dominant in the air, standing at 6ft 3in, and also comfortable with making blocks, tackles and interceptions.

With Lamine Kone's wages meaning he will be sold and John O'Shea and Marc Wilson set to be released, Sunderland could benefit from a fresh start in the centre half department.

Bryan Oviedo could leave this summer, meaning Sunderland need a new left-back.

They should look no further than Toffolo on a free transfer when his short-term deal at Millwall expires.

The 22-year-old has not featured for the Lions but has lots of experience in League One with his previous loan spells, meaning he is a solid, young potential signing for Sunderland.

Amid Sunderland's recent woes, McNair has emerged as a top performer.

The 23-year-old scored in three consecutive games for the Black Cats, as well as providing defensive cover in central midfield, but was unable to stop his side being relegated.

If the Northern Ireland international stays, he could become Sunderland's star man and really start to fill the potential once shown at Manchester United.

As Sunderland are quite a big club, a lot of onus will be on attacking next season so they need another central midfielder who is creative.

Oztumer would be an ideal addition after notching 16 goals and eight assists for Walsall this season.

The 26-year-old is available on a free transfer this summer and he has proven his quality at this level over the past few seasons.

Sunderland will be praying that Watmore recovers from yet another long-term injury to guide his side back to the Championship.

The 24-year-old has bags of energy and he will be one of the best players in the division if he can get back to full fitness.

Sunderland need Watmore's attacking abilities and the former England under-21 international would greatly benefit from a year in the third tier to get his career back on track.

A number of clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday and Rangers, want Honeyman but Sunderland need to resist these offers.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season despite Sunderland's poor form, racking up a personal tally of seven goals and two assists this term.

If the Black Cats can keep him at the club, they need to build a team around his creative spark in midfield.

Another bright spark this season has been the emergence of 22-year-old Lynden Gooch.

The USA international has two goals and three assists in 15 starts for Sunderland and will only get better next season in League One.

With an attacking midfield trio of Watmore, Honeyman and Gooch, Sunderland will surely have the most lethal attack in the division.

Sunderland need to do all they can to keep Joel Asoro and Josh Maja beyond this summer because they are future stars.

Asoro, in particular, has shone, scoring three Championship goals this term.

If the 19-year-old is given a starting spot in League One, he could be the goal scorer that Sunderland need to fire them to promotion.