Big changes are needed at Sunderland if the Black Cats are to avoid the drop this season, with Chris Coleman’s side looking consigned to relegation with every passing week.

Approaching a year without a home win, fans should be extremely concerned by the future of their club, as if this duck is not broken soon, there will be no way back for the club this season.

Teams cannot survive at any level on the back of abysmal home form, and Coleman must address this issue very soon.

January will be huge for the former Wales boss, with the club in desperate need of winter reinforcements in their quest for survival.

The pot is empty at The Stadium of Light, and Coleman will have to work wonders on a next to nothing budget, so exploring players without a club could be a viable avenue.

The free agent market is brimming with talent, and Coleman will certainly consider offering terms to a player or two in the new year…

Sebastien Bassong

Released by Norwich in the summer, the 31-year-old still has a lot to offer at this level.

Sunderland have been woeful at the back, conceding 38 goals in only 20 games, and the addition of the former Cameroon international could work wonders at The Stadium of Light.

Bassong has played at the highest level for a number of years, and has excellent top-flight experience following spells with Newcastle, Tottenham and the Canaries.

The Paris-born defender is keen to get back into football following several months away from the game, and Coleman would be foolish not to consider offering terms to the player.

An excellent central defender is sat at home waiting for a phone call, and Coleman must make sure it is he is the first to dial Bassong’s number.

Mathieu Flamini

This would be a real coup considering the player’s track record, but with Flamini currently out of work, perhaps he would consider a short-term spell in the north east.

Flamini is a fantastic midfielder who possesses the ability to control games in the middle of the park, and would mark a wonderful addition to Sunderland’s safety-chasing squad.

Spells with Arsenal, Milan and Crystal Palace have provided the Frenchman with a distinguished career, and if Coleman can convince the player to be the inspiration behind a turnaround in Sunderland’s fortunes, then he should attempt to find the money in his budget for a move.

Flamini would pull this squad together, with Sunderland crying out for a leader in these desperate times.

Sunderland fans, what area of your squad is most in need of improvement? Have your say below...