McCarthy hopeful of quick return to Premiership

SUNDERLAND boss Mick McCarthy was yesterday preparing for life in Division One confident that an early return to the Premiership is still possible.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Birmingham confirmed the season's worst kept secret as the Black Cats slipped back into the Nationwide League with barely a whimper, but with their new manager insisting there is hope for the future.

McCarthy knew from day one that relegation was almost inevitable, although he will be desperately disappointed that it arrived just four games into his reign with a first victory still out of his grasp.