Why Sunderland should '100 per cent' stand by manager David Moyes

That's the view of Clarets midfielder Scott Arfield, who believes continuity is massive in football.

Arfield was speaking after the goalless draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, a result which leaves the Black Cats seven points adrift of safety heading into the final 10 games of the season.

Burnley stood by their manager Sean Dyche after relegation in 2015 and he led them back up last season, with the Clarets now mid-table in the Premier League despite not winning a game away from home all season.

Arfield said: "100 per cent they should stick with him. I really believe continuity is massive.

"Burnley are proof of that. It is a weird sport we are in when managers are losing their jobs left right and centre.

"When we went down, I don’t think our manager’s position was ever in doubt.

"He was not under pressure for what he had done the season before to get us up the first time.

"When we went down, we were a united group, management and players, focused to get back up at the first attempt.

"Maybe we can act as an example to teams like Sunderland. If they go down, what can happen if you stick with your manager, Sunderland is a huge club.

"The players here are under tremendous pressure to perform.

"Sometimes it can affect players. But this is a massive club to play for and fingers crossed, they get it right."

Sunderland owner Ellis Short made a rare appearance at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, his first since August.

Inevitably it sparked a lot of interest but Moyes continues to have the full support of Short and chief executive Martin Bain.

Speaking post-match Moyes played down Short's visit insisting the owner was entitled to come and watch the team he owns and said their relationship is fine.

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