Sunderland lost again on Saturday to continue their disastrous season and whilst they are only five points away from safety, a second successive relegation does seem inevitable.

Chris Coleman arrived in November but was unable to stop the alarming form that had dragged the side near the bottom of the table.

Then, an awful January window made things worse with not enough quality brought into the club.

The Black Cats haven't won for two months and many fans will have resigned themselves to the drop already given the manner of recent performances.

Whilst Ellis Short remains as owner of the club it is hard to see a positive future, however, there are some reasons to be optimistic for next season for Sunderland fans.

Firstly, they have several promising youngsters coming through who will get a chance to play regularly and become a key part of the team. Plus, they are a massive club in the third tier and will attract better players for this level.

Here at FLW we decided to look at an XI that could fire Sunderland to promotion next season.

Of course, there are few of the current crop in the side, with many sure to leave in the summer - not that the fans will care.

Let us know what you think of this team and anyone else you would sign in the comments below!

The experienced goalkeeper nearly joined the Wearside club in January and should still be on the radar.

Lonergan won't play at Leeds and regular football, even in the third tier, will appeal at his age.

The Bradford right-back is out of contract in the summer and proven himself to be one of the better players in League One over the years.

Would surely relish the chance to make back up to the north east.

The Wolves defender will not be needed at Molineux next season and whilst he has struggled with MK Dons this season, he has had two successful campaigns in the third tier with the Black Country side and Sheffield United before.

Has a good amount of experience for his age but still able to improve.

This will be a tough one as there may be competition for his signature, but if Sunderland are serious about promotion they need to target proven League One players.

Bolger is exactly that, and like Ebanks-Landell is the right type of player for the Black Cats.

Out of contract with Wigan, James is a good player at this level and loves to get forward from left-back.

Honeyman will need to kick-on and establish himself as an important player in League One.

The local lad has acquitted himself well when featuring this season.

Will be desperate to play and that hunger and determination will be needed in what is a tough division.

Out of contract at Birmingham in the summer, Lowe hasn't played a minute under Garry Monk so should be available.

Could be a key man in helping the side back to the Championship.

Has struggled with injuries since joining in January but has a lot to offer.

His pace and skill will stand out in League One.

It may be tough to keep hold of the youngster who is impressing now in the Championship, however, a full season of playing and becoming a key man would surely benefit his career instead of sitting on the bench at a higher-placed club.

Another who Sunderland were interested in during the January window.

Nuhiu is out of contract at Sheffield Wednesday in the summer and even if he got a new deal, he knows he won't be the main man every week at Hillsborough.

At Sunderland he would be, and that must surely appeal to a player who hasn't played regularly for a few years now.