Sunderland stand-in player/coach Dwight Yorke has warned his team-mates they are not too good to go down.
Black Cats' midfielder warns 'we are not too good to go down'
Sunderland stand-in player/coach Dwight Yorke has warned his team-mates they are not too good to go down.
The Black Cats have spent up to £80million over the last two seasons and boast a number of international players in their ranks but a poor run of form has seen them slip into the relegation zone.
Sunderland host bottom-of-the-table West Brom on Saturday with the Baggies looking to claim their first league win in 10 games.
The Wearsiders themselves have won just once in the Premier League in the past seven games leading to former manager Roy Keane's shock resignation.
Yorke found himself asked to become part of the caretaking coaching team alongside Ricky Sbragia and Neil Bailey until chairman Niall Quinn appoints a new manager.
Sbragia took charge for the match against Manchester United on Saturday, a game in which Yorke started, and the side were just seconds away from claiming a draw.
Encouraging
Despite the 1-0 loss there were encouraging signs for the Black Cats but Yorke warns that the players must produce performances like that on a regular basis.
"The league table does not lie. We're down there because our performances have not been particularly great," the 37-year-old said.
"People might look back and say we have not been particularly lucky. They might be right, but that is the nature of the game.
"With the talent we have around the place there is no reason why we should be in this position, but we are and we know we've got to get out of this position sooner rather than later."
Tony Mowbray's men are desperate not to get cast adrift at the bottom of the table and will be looking to capitalise on the vulnerability around the Stadium of Light at present.
"It's a big one, we know that," insists Yorke.
"If we play to our capabilities we're a match for anyone, but they will be thinking this is a very good time to come to our place and try to get a result.
"As players we are just concentrating on football and not the situation the club has with looking for a new manager.
Positive
"We have some serious games ahead and we know that good results now could make life a lot easier around this place.
"But if results go against us, we could be in serious trouble."
The former Manchester United striker admits that nothing has changed for him personally since he was asked to assist Sbragia.
"Nothing's really changed. I'm getting on with it as normal being the senior player in the dressing room and being involved in trying to make sure the players think positively," Yorke added.
"The only thing slightly different is that when the team is being selected I am being told a few things, but the decisions are not mine, that's up to Ricky and Neil.
"It is not as though I can pick myself!"
