Last season's run to the play-off final certainly seems like a long time ago for Sunderland fans.

While narrowly missing out on promotion was a huge blow, it was still preferable to the position that the club finds itself in this time around.

Tuesday's defeat to Burton Albion meant that the Black Cats have picked up just two wins in 11 games since Phil Parkinson took charge of the club

Not only that, but the defeat against the Brewers looks to have had a a real impact on the Black Cats' standing in League One.

Parkinson's side have now dropped to 11th place in the league, and while they're three points off the play-offs, they're also nine points off their original target of the top two.

One notable difference from last season is the absence of Lee Cattermole.

The former Middlesbrough midfielder joined Dutch side VVV Venlo during the summer, and has certainly been missed at the Stadium Of Light.

One supporter took to a Sunderland fan page on Facebook to express how much he missed the hard-hitting midfielder, with many supporters sharing his feelings.

Here's what supporters had to say on the departure of Lee Cattermole.

Richie Whitfield: “100%. He would sort these dossers out.”

Jake Rumfitt: “He had so much unfair criticism during his time with us. Only player who showed heart every game whether it was a good or bad performance. You could never doubt his passion to play football for Sunderland every week.”

Jeff Lazenby: “He brought goals to the team in his later days. Also like Honeyman but he was unfairly criticised too.”

Can you name Sunderland's top goalscorer from each of the last 15 seasons? Have a go!

 

Paul Turner: “We are missing 11 players that have heart, passion and commitment.”

Daryl Harris: “Missing a leader for sure.”

Frank Clarke: “George Honeyman too. Should have kept them both.”

John Williams: “Exactly our centre midfield is like an over 40s team.”