GUS POYET has written an open letter to Sunderland fans taking full responsibility for recent results.

The Uruguayan has been widely criticised over the last four days after accusing the press of damaging the relationship between the club and the fans, suggesting Sunderland should build a 'China wall' to keep the press out in future.

The Black Cats face West Bromwich Albion on Saturday after a run of two defeats including a 2-0 defeat to Bradford City in the FA Cup on Sunday and Poyet has called for positivity from the Stadium of Light support.

Poyet said: "During my career as a player, coach or manager, I have always had a fantastic relationship with the fans, from my time in Uruguay going through every team in Europe, always the relationship was strong, one of mutual respect and understanding, I showed from inside or from outside the pitch, my commitment, passion and dedication in achieving what every club deserved.

"Of course I went through good and bad times, successful and not so good ones, winning or losing finals, but I left every single club having a recognition from the fans for my honesty, passion and professional work.

"So let's make sure that we don’t let anyone to break our relationship, I promise you that I care and want to win as much as you do and no one thinks more time every day about the team than I do, so I invite all of you to stay positive, to be strong, closer to each other and keep believing in what we started together last year, working harder to make it better this season.

"To finish I would like to clarify once more: the main responsible of the results of our team is me, I always said it and I will always accept my responsibility."