Coleman devastated by Sunderland relegation

The Black Cats have battled for weeks in a bid to prevent the drop into the third tier of English football for only the second time in the club’s 130-year history.

But a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion at the Stadium of Light means Sunderland’s worst fears have been realised.

Coleman, who took over from Simon Grayson in November, said: “Firstly I would like to apologise to everyone for coming up short, ultimately not having what was needed. It’s a brutal experience and the disappointment is huge.

“To be fair, myself maybe blind optimism, with three games to go, and five minutes left here, I thought we were in the driving seat even though we didn’t play well.

“With five minutes left the atmosphere was great, then it all changed. 44 games we are into the season and we haven’t been good enough. I am sorry for the supporters who have stuck with us every week, followed us, we haven’t had enough and we have fallen short.

“I am very affected by the feeling of relegation. My first as a manager. That’s painful. Whether we were planning for this division or the one below, a lot of different things need to happen here.”

Sunderland’s battle to stay up came to an end when Burton overturned the home side’s lead – secured by Paddy McNair in the 34th minute - in the closing stages.

Former Sunderland striker Darren Bent headed the equaliser in the 86th minute before Liam Boyce glanced in the winner in the second minute of added time.

McNair had a goal ruled out for handball, a decision which infuriated the home players because referee Darren England’s initial decision to allow the goal was then overturned after a chat with his assistant Matt Foley on the far side.

That meant Sunderland’s place in League One was confirmed because of the six point gap to safety, and Burton face relegation rivals Bolton next week.

Coleman, whose players didn’t realise they were down until they had returned to the dressing room, said: “It was such a mess the last 60 seconds of the game, the craziness of the decision from the referee and the linesman that was an absolute mess.

“Everyone got a bit confused. It came down to the disappointment of losing to Burton so late on.

"This is the fourth time in five games when we have been leading and we have not been able to hang onto that. If you don’t do that then you end up where we are. Whatever was needed we haven’t had it.

“Word spread when the players got back in the dressing room. It was after I left the dressing room, towards the end of what I said.

“The disappointment today was it was the worst we have played in six weeks. I do understand the pressure on it. Had we played like we did last week then we could have won two or three.

“It’s reality now, we know our future, it was a possibility now it’s reality. I experienced it as a player but not as a manager.

"They are absolutely devastated. Managers and players come and go, supporters stay, so imagine how they are feeling.”

Burton boss Nigel Clough was born in Sunderland when his father Brian played for the club at Roker Park, so he is sad by Sunderland’s demise.

Clough, though, was clearly delighted Burton moved to within two points of safety.

“I have unbelievable sympathy for Sunderland. He (Brian Clough) used to talk with such affection about the people, he so enjoyed his time here,” said Clough. “It’s just a time for them to take stock and rebuild, plenty of clubs have gone into League One … Wolves, Leicester … it’s tough to get out of.

“This club now has to strip everything back and start again. Hopefully this is rock bottom for them reached. If they keep the support here, for 60 or 70 minutes they showed how much they were betting behind the team. It’s too good a club not to find a way back.

“I didn’t know Sunderland had gone down. I shook hands with Chris. But we are keeping it going for another week. Bolton at home next week, our aim is to take it to the last day. Anything can happen.

“My players are adamant it (McNair’s goal) was handball, that’s why you can see the reaction. All we can do is get him to ask the assistant.

“I didn’t think Darren would quite get that reaction! He was telling us before the game he did quite well here. But he is as liable as anyone to get the goal.”