Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell has warned that the Black Cats are 'not immune' to the financial crisis that is currently harming lower league clubs.

The current situation has presented those lower down the Football League with a major problem as they try to cope without any matchday income.

That has prompted fears that many clubs could go bust and whilst talks have taken place with the Premier League to fund those in the pyramid, no agreement has yet been reached.

Given the size of Sunderland and their recent history, many would expect the Black Cats to get through this period but Rodwell explained to the Mirror how they could be vulnerable as well as he urged proper funding to come in to help those in the lower leagues.

"I don’t think the Government understand what’s going on at the coal face. I don’t think there’s a lot of football supporters in the Cabinet.

"There’s a day or reckoning for everybody and we’re not immune to it at Sunderland. The money will run out for every club and there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Clubs are living from day to day and it just can’t go on."

The verdict

Figures from clubs up and down the country have said similar to Rodwell over the past few weeks and it's clear that something needs to be done.

We all understand that full capacity crowds can't happen but letting in a percentage should be achievable and that will help.

Of course, they also need support from the top and that needs to happen as soon as possible or Rodwell's bleak prediction will play out.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.