Sunderland's Mannone urges mates to save jobs amid relegation battle

With one eye on survival and the other on the jobs of Sunderland's non-playing staff, Black Cats shot-stopper Vito Mannone has told his teammates to fight for the futures of everybody at the club.

"Anyone who is intelligent will understand that going into the Championship will mean there might have to be some cuts at the club," Mannone said about his third successive relegation battle with the Black Cats and the jobs it could affect.

"I care about each individual that might lose their job," he continued. "That makes it even more important to survive."

It was a refreshing take from a player more than familiar with the struggles of a club flirting with the drop, and Mannone is certain to win plaudits.

"Each fan would like for us to stay up and be in the Premier League, so that next year they can come and be proud of this shirt and this club.

"I love this club and, for my career and for everyone involved in the club, it is vital we come out of this."

The former Arsenal 'keeper continued: "I mean that for everyone. From the office, from the training ground, from the stadium - everyone."

Sitting 18th, four points adrift of Norwich City and Premier League safety, Mannone understands that relegation has negative consequences for everybody at the club, and while many of the players may find work with other teams, that same opportunity may escape those behind the scenes.

"I don't want anyone to lose their job, so I know how important this is for this club and for everyone who works here."

An April 16 visit to Carrow Road to face the Norwich side four points clear looms large for the Wearside outfit looking to avoid its first relegation since 2005-06.