Jack Ross has revealed his focus is firmly on the League One play-off match against Portsmouth, as talk of a takeover at the Stadium of Light rages on.

The Daily Star reports that although Ross has had some talks with the owners, he'll wait until the campaign is over before seeking clarification over his future and the direction the club will take.

Much will hinge on whether they progress to the Championship or are forced to spend another season in League One. They take a 1-0 lead to Fratton Park tomorrow night, knowing that if they get through, either Doncaster or Charlton stand in their way of an immediate promotion.

That's the sole focus for former St Mirren boss Ross, at least for now.

“I’ve had some conversations with them but I haven’t chased for any clarification,” he said.

“I just work on the basis that if there’s anything important to tell me, they will. I’ve had a good relationship with Stewart from day one and that continues to be the case.

“Ultimately, that side of the club is his business and hopefully, if there is anything important they need to tell me, I’ll find out."

He admitted that poor results could cost him his job, but at present the situation off the field is not affecting his ambition on it.

“I’ve heard nothing that changes my role and how I go about it. I could lose my job because we’re not winning games or I can lose my job for other reasons. I can’t control that. What I can control is how I do the job and I take pride in what I do.”

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Chris Maguire's second half goal at the Stadium of Light this weekend gives them a slender lead to defend on the south coast as they face Pompey for the fifth and final time this season.

The Verdict

What more can he say? He is more likely to lose his job through poor performance at the moment and if they don't go up, it's possible.

David Flitcroft has already paid the price for blowing a big budget on a failed play-off campaign and he might not be the only one to go before the season ends properly.

Sunderland are at a crucial stage of their history and many fans might not realise quite how important promotion is this season.