Chris Coleman has opened up about the problems he faces bringing in players with the club's future ownership still uncertain.

The Black Cats are poised to drop into League One over the next two weeks, but Coleman has stressed that the unresolved situation with owner Ellis Short is impacting his recruitment policy. When asked about the situation by the Sunderland Echo, Coleman said:

"Same answer. There has been no dialogue from the chairman. We are planning on different levels in terms of who we need to bring to the club. Just in case we are told it is A, so at least we are a little bit ahead of the game, or B so we have that in plan or C, we have that going on, which is not ideal. That is where we are."

Owner Ellis Short has said he's willing to give the club away for free if someone can be found to take on the debt, but the lack of a new owner has left Coleman's hands tied.

"That is the hardest part, we are working on certain things were we know we might be wasting our time if it doesn't go that way, but if there is a chance it goes that way and we haven't done any due diligence or planning, we would be behind schedule. We have to make sure, as best we can, to prepare down the line were we are playing from, the league and the budget, just in case. If we wait another month or three weeks, whatever, it could be longer than that, the club is sold or not sold, we are in this league or that league, then we are behind everyone else."

Sunderland face a huge match against Burton Albion this weekend which could see one, or both sides relegated by the final whistle.

The Verdict

The ownership issue has clearly dogged Sunderland all season, but it must be resolved soon for the sanity of the supporters. They are a huge club with lots of potential, but a lack of preparation for League One could well have the same impact as it did for this season.

Sunderland in League Two? It hardly bears thinking about.