IS this the worst Sunderland team of all time?

It's a question that has been debated across Wearside in recent months as Sunderland have lurched from one inept performance to the next.

Certainly, the club will not plunge the depths next season that Sunderland found themselves in when they dropped into the old Third Division in 1987.

But a plethora of statistics would suggest that 2002-03 has been the most dismal campaign in the club's 124-year history.

Here, Northern Echo Sport takes a look at the unwanted records that Sunderland are on the verge of breaking:

* Most consecutive League defeats: nine (old Division One, 1976-77). Present total: seven.

* Most consecutive League games without a win: 14 (old Division One, 1984-85, and old Division Two, 1985-86). Present total: 12.

* Fewest League wins in a season: six (old Division One, 1969-70). Present total: four.

* Fewest home League wins in a season: four (old Division One, 1969-70). Present total: three.

* Fewest away League wins in a season: two (old Division One, 1969-70). Present total: one.

* Fewest League goals in a season: 29 (Premiership, 2001-02). Present total: 19.

* Most League defeats in a season: 22 (old Division One, 1956-57, 1969-70 and 1984-85, and new Division One, 1992-93). Present total: 19.

* Fewest points in a season: Two points for a win - 26 (old Division One, 1969-70). Three points for a win - 34 (old Division One, 1990-91). Present total: 19.

* Worst finishing position: Sunderland have never finished bottom of a division. Present position: 20th, bottom.

Read more about Sunderland here.