GEORGE HONEYMAN might only be in the relatively early part of his Sunderland career, but admits relegation leaves a stain he won’t ever be able to remove.

The home-grown midfielder has been praised by boss Chris Coleman for his efforts of late, showing maturity in the most desperate of times.

And the 23-year-old, in his first full season as a first-team regular, admits the sight of a banner in the Stadium of Light, which labelled this team the worst in the club’s history will live with him.

Straight-talking Honeyman also questioned the integrity of some players, asking if some have used the club as an easy option over the years.

“To play my first full season in a team relegated is something which will always live with me. I was desperate for it not to happen, but I wasn’t good enough, we all haven’t been good enough.

“Seeing the banner saying we are the worst team in the club’s history – that will live with me for the rest of my life.

“People have been complaining about fans at home this season, but if you are putting in a good performance they are better than any set of fans. It’s a tough place to play when you are bottom of the Championship, but if you can’t handle it then don’t be here.

“To be relegated in the worst team in the club’s history is extremely tough for me to take. I’m desperate to do well here. I’ve been here and seen it with good times and I’m desperate to be part of it. I want to be here with 40,000 screaming for your and giving them something to cheer.’’

He added: “I want to be part of a club on the up, but that’s not happening and we have to install a good work ethic and discipline and have people who want to be here, throughout the club.

“Have people used this too much as a gravy train? Nice stadium, good training ground and an easy place to play? It’s not. It’s the toughest place to play when things aren’t going right, but it can be the best when it gets going.’’

Honeyman will be part of the side at Fulham tomorrow and admitted: “People have to be accountable for their mistakes and what’s gone wrong. The squad was more than good enough to stay up, comparing to other teams we have played against.

“There’s so much went wrong this year, no hiding place. We are bottom of the Championship.’’