Sunderland are looking at a second consecutive relegation after a disastrous season that has left Chris Coleman's men bottom of the league with eight to play.

However, even though things are bad on the pitch, they are worse off it, with owner Ellis Short desperate to sell the club having lost interest in the past couple of years.

Unfortunately, rumours that fans favourite Niall Quinn could be part of a takeover bid appear to be wide of the mark and it leaves the Black Cats looking at a bleak future.

Relegation to League One will only make things worse, with lottle investment coming from the top, most players will be forced to leave in the summer and you can't imagine much money will be spent.

All in all, it's a very bad time to be a Sunderland fan and they will want things to change as soon as possible.

Here we look at three questions that will need answering in the coming months...

As mentioned, the major problem's for Sunderland begin with owner Ellis Short.

The American is desperate to get rid of the club and if he does it will please all the fans who would then look forward to the future.

However, if he doesn't, what happens? Things can't go on like this, even for Short, as the debts are building and the situation is spiralling out of control. Is administration likely?

Sunderland fans will be really worried about where the club is heading and need answers and change.

Many were surprised that Sunderland managed to attract Chris Coleman in November, with the former Wales boss having built a fine reputation following outstanding work with his country.

Whilst that reputation has taken a hit, those in the game will recognise that the problems in Wearside run a lot deeper than the manager.

Therefore, keeping him is essential no matter what division they are in, however they will have a lot to do in order to convince Coleman to stay.

The manager is more likely to stay as long as he can be competitive next season and the fans will want clarity on what will happen.

Wolves suffered a double relegation in the past and used League One to clear the club of the problems they had created. Can Sunderland do the same?

Fans will want to know if the club can compete or whether they are just going to have to sell whoever they can and continue until further investment arrives.