DARREN WILLIAMS last night confessed finishing bottom of the Premiership was the worst way to end a "crap season".

Sunderland have suffered the final insult by losing their proud record of having never propped up a division in their 124-year history.

Saturday's defeat at Aston Villa, plus West Bromwich Albion's draw with Blackburn Rovers, left Sunderland six points adrift with one fixture remaining.

Williams said: "It's a massive disappointment to finish bottom. When we went into the relegation zone, people were talking about where we might finish.

"We really didn't want to finish bottom, but it's happened. That's the way the season has gone.

"We've been crap; it's been a crap season."

Williams reckons Mick McCarthy has been let down by his side's woeful finishing in his eight games in charge.

Sunderland have scored just two goals under McCarthy, but have wasted countless opportunities to add to that tally.

Williams said: "It's disappointing for the manager and disappointing for the fans that we haven't had a win.

"The manager has been honest with everybody and given people the chance, but if you don't put your chances away it comes back and bites you.

"It was a good performance at Villa and the result was hard to take; it's been hard to take all season.

"Since the new manager came in, we've played really well in games and had lots of chances, but we've been punished for not scoring.

"Kevin Kyle had a great chance, but we don't point the finger at anybody; we take it as a team.

"If there's anything to be thrown at people, we'll take it collectively."

Batman and Robin, Superman, Spiderman and a welter of Madness "Nutty Boys" joined Sunderland's travelling army at Villa Park.

Whether they will remain loyal to the club in the First Division will only emerge this summer, but Williams acknowledged their indefatigable support.

The defender added: "The fans were tremendous; they have been all season.

"They have the right to voice their opinions, and early in the season they were very disappointed with us.

"Our performances have been better since then and all credit to them for turning up and going to games.

"We can't fault them, and the only thing we can do is give them good performances next season. We need to have a good start to pay them back."