Sunderland manager David Moyes has been backed to continue in the job, amid reports that former England boss Sam Allardyce is being lined up for a return to the club.
Moyes is yet to win a Premier League game in charge of the Black Cats in eight attempts and they sit rock bottom of the division with only two points.
But Sunderland chief executive Martin Bain insists the former Everton and Manchester United manager is in place to "rebuild" a club "that has lost its identity" after a series of battles against relegation in recent seasons.
"It's been a turbulent start," Bain, who was appointed in May, told the club's official website.