Wilkinson: Confidence the key for Black Cats

Howard Wilkinson has admitted that he under-estimated the task ahead of him when he took over at Sunderland.

The Black Cats slumped to a dismal 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City on Monday night, meaning Wilkinson has achieved only one Premiership victory since replacing Peter Reid.

That success was six games ago against Tottenham - and was also the last time his team scored.

Goals from Marc Vivien Foe, Sun Jihai and Shaun Goater increased Wilkinson's woes - while ailing hero Kevin Phillips showed clear displeasure at being hauled off after 65 minutes.

But despite the gloom, Wilkinson insists the problems are all to do with confidence and that he remains convinced he can turn things around.

After emerging from a one-hour dressing-room inquest, Wilkinson said: "I can't criticise the players at all for their attitude, their application or their desire to work at dealing with the problems we've got.

"But the confidence and self-belief is the thing that is lacking. Nobody lacks self-belief deliberately."

Sunderland supporters began flooding out of the Stadium of Light well before Goater added insult to their side's injury with City's third two minutes from time. Those who remained booed the team off at the final whistle.

Wilkinson added: "The fans couldn't see a way out. They thought 'this is more of the same that we've had for the last 21 months' - so I fully understand their feelings.

"But unfortunately how the fans feel cannot make me work any harder.

"It is very very important that I keep a clear head, stay focused, look at the things we need to do and work with the players at achieving that - I'm confident my management skills are up to this job."

City boss Keegan believes he saw enough in Wilkinson's men to suggest they may not be doomed to a return to Division One.

Keegan said: "I think Howard will turn it around. The team spirit seemed very good, and the thing that seemed lacking was confidence.

"They just need a win and a few injured players back. It won't be easy for them - but I honestly believe they will turn it around."