Sunderland midfielder George Honeyman has said that the Black Cats are not a position to play 'pretty football', and must outwork teams to pick up points.

In a report by the Sunderland Echo, the midfielder spoke of the current state of affairs at the club after what has been a shocking start for the newly relegated North East club.

Only one win from eleven games under Simon Grayson has seen the club slip into the bottom three and become in real danger of being embroiled in another relegationd dog fight, however, a point at Preston last weekend was a positive result, and Honeyman thinks the club can turn it round.

“I don’t think we’re in a position where we’re playing well enough to start playing pretty football, getting it down and passing it out from the back. “We’ve got to try and outwork teams, pick up second balls." Honeyman said.

Honeyman added further: “It might not be pretty at times but I think we showed at Preston it can be effective, especially with Duncan Watmore getting on the flick-ons and stuff. It’s going to be effective and we’ve just got to stick with it.”

It's been the nightmare start for Simon Grayson but with Honeyman in some sort of form - he has three Championship goals - the former Preston and Leeds manager will be hoping to build on last weekend's result and try and build some momentum going into the second half of the campaign.

Sunderland fans, what do you make of your start? Is Honeyman right? Give us your thoughts!