I AM sick of hearing Sunderland supporters moaning about the heavy defeat Aston Villa inflicted on the Black Cats this week (Sport, Apr 30).

I have been a Sunderland supporter for more than 60 years and have many happy memories of visiting Roker Park long before the team moved to the Stadium of Light.

I remember, in the 1986-87 season, Sunderland were relegated to the football league third division for the first time .

The Black Cats were managed by the ex-Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy.

When Lawrie arrived, many supporters thought we were getting a world-class manager because of what he had achieved but, sadly, he was a disaster and was dismissed.

If he had not been shown the door,. I think Sunderland would have ended up playing northern league football.

Later, Peter Reid brought success to club by winning promotion to the premier league – a great achievement for a unknown manager.

I am sure Mr Reid could have been approached to help secure premier league survival in 2013.

Jimmy Taylor, Coxhoe.