It’s not looking good for Chris Coleman and Sunderland with a second successive relegation for the Black Cats a strong possibility.

The Wearside club are in turmoil on and off the pitch and despite Coleman initially halting the slide when he was appointed, the task of keeping Sunderland up looks increasingly difficult for the former Wales boss.

However, should the club be playing in League One next season, the blame will lie firmly with Ellis Short who failed to back Coleman when he needed him most last month.

The ex-Fulham manager came into the Stadium of Light with his eyes open and acknowledged that he would have little to work with in the market.

Yet, he must be surprised that he has been left with such a depleted squad. It’s inexperienced in key areas and lacking in depth in so many critical positions.

It was obvious that the club needed major reinforcements in January but even a flurry of deadline day deals can’t hide what was a truly disastrous window.

Losing top scorer Lewis Grabban was out of Sunderland’s hands but the fact he went as soon as the window opened and a genuine replacement in Ashley Fletcher wasn’t brought in until January 31 shows just how unprepared the hierarchy were.

Similarly, anyone who had seen Sunderland this season could see a goalkeeper was a priority but Lee Camp didn’t arrive until the final day – with Sunderland losing key games in the process.

Also, their failed pursuit of Chris Martin was embarrassing and quite why other targets weren’t lined up is a mystery.

The only deals they did manage to close were for youth players from elite clubs who could struggle to adapt to life in a Championship relegation battle.

Ultimately, Sunderland did nothing like the business that was needed to help the club stay up and they will be relying on Coleman to overachieve if they are to stay in the division.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.