Moyes on the brink

in the top flight, refused to take part in a lap of appreciation at the Stadium of Light because he feared a backlash from fans.

Sunderland go to champions Chelsea’s title party at Stamford Bridge today where they will be without 11 players.

Unrest among the Sunderland faithful has gathered pace with Moyes taking most of the flak, despite failing to get the financial backing from owner Ellis Short.

Club staff believe he could be gone by the end of this week. Short and Moyes are set to meet, the latter saying: “I want to hear what he is going to say first.”