It has been a busy old week for Sunderland.
A 2-2 draw with Gillingham dealt the Black Cats a last-minute blow before a bitterly disappointing defeat against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night saw Phil Parkinson's side drop out of the play-off places.
Here then, we take a look at the FOUR biggest Sunderland related news stories of the weekâ¦
Kyle Lafferty opens up on extending his stay at the club
The 32-year-old has started the Black Cats' last two fixtures but despite forcing his way into Phil Parkinson's plans, his priority is earning a new deal with the Black Cats.
As quoted by the Northern Echo, Lafferty said: âIâd love to stay here.
"I said when I first joined here, if I was given the opportunity in my much younger years I would have come here.
âItâs a massive club and to get the chance to play for this football club at 32 years of age, itâs a nice feeling.
"The manager gave me a chance and the only way I can repay him is performances and goals.
"Hopefully Saturdayâs goals sends me in the right direction.â
Antoine Semenyo's message to Phil Parkinson
The young forward moved to the Stadium Of Light during the January transfer window after falling down the pecking order with Championship side Bristol City.
In that time Semenyo has found it difficult to break into the Black Cats' starting XI, but the 20-year-old insists that he's enjoying the challenge of adapting to life in League One.
The Black Cats made it four games without a victory after falling to a shock 2-0 defeat against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night.
That result means that Sunderland have now dropped out of the League One play-off spots and have it all to do if they're to get their season back on track.
Phil Parkinson's side now have 10 games to get their season back on track, and while they're only out of the top six on goal difference, the former Sunderland man has cast doubt over whether the squad have what it takes to get the job done.