Fans back underfire McCarthy

SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy has received a vote of confidence from the club’s fans as he attempts to engineer an unlikely escape from the Barclays Premiership’s relegation zone.

56.3% of participants in the Sunderland Echo’s telephone poll said that he should remain at the Stadium of Light.

Of the 2,266 responses received, 1,276 called for him to be left in place.

Former defender Gary Bennett welcomed the outcome of the poll. “There’s been a lot of pressure put on Mick McCarthy and it’s great news for him, the players and everyone involved with the club, ” he said.

“It’s good to see the fans are not putting all the blame for the current situation on Mick’s head,” Bennett said.