I was optimistic before kick off.

Spuds were not at the races at all. Toon were stagnant.

Shelvey is not the man round whom a team can be built.

Gayle is not a Premier League striker.

Houghton's Brighton & Huddersfield both played with more passion and conviction yesterday.

Spuds or not Prem matches are won and lost by single moments. I see nothing that convinces the team can produce those moments.

The few decent players we have will be drowned by the incompetence Championship fodder currently strangling the club wage bill.

We will be lucky to achieve 18th place.

Without a new striker in, of Perez-esque quality & a decent CMF partner for Merino NUFC could be looking to challenge for Sunderland's record low performance last season!

Very Very concerned!