Sunderland suffers back-to-back relegations after last-gasp Burton defeat

Sunderland was relegated to the third tier of English football on Saturday after succumbing to a late 2-1 defeat at home to Burton Albion.

The Black Cats, a Premier League side as recently as May 2017, have now tumbled down two divisions in as many years.

Chris Coleman's men had carried a 1-0 lead into the final minutes at the Stadium of Light, but two goals in quick succession from relegation bedfellow Burton sealed the host's fate.

Sunderland's relegation was confirmed with the knowledge that one of Burton and Bolton - who face each other next week - will soon be on 41 points. Sunderland can only finish with a maximum of 40.

It's been a miserable couple of seasons for supporters on Wearside, who've watched their club disintegrate. Majority owner Ellis Short has failed to find a buyer despite reportedly putting up the club for free - provided investors take on more than £100 million in debt. Thousands of fans have petitioned for the 57-year-old to cede ownership immediately as the product on the pitch soured.

Coleman was appointed in November in a bid to reverse course - Sunderland was bottom of the Championship table at the time - but the task was too great for the Welshman. He managed just five wins out of his first 28 matches.