Black Cats facing Reid’s axe

SUNDERLAND’S under-achievers could face the axe for the vital Premiership clash with Aston Villa on Saturday after Peter Reid’s pretenders staked their claim.

A furious Reid vowed after Saturday’s derby humiliation at Newcastle he would ditch the failing members of his first-choice team if they could not prove to him they have the heart to dig themselves out of a dreadful run of form.

The Black Cats entertain Villa at the Stadium of Light on Saturday and then face the daunting trip to meet Double winners Arsenal at Highbury eight days later knowing their manager’s future is on the line after a desperate run of just four Premiership wins in their last 26 outings.