Manager David Moyes has said that the backing of the club's supporters continues to make Sunderland "an attractive football club".
Sunderland currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table after registering just two points from 10 games, but ahead of the long trip to Bournemouth, Moyes has praised the fans of the Black Cats after a disappointing five years in the top flight.
The 53-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport: "I think the supporters have been brilliant. That's why it's such an attractive football club. It's attractive because of the people and because of the numbers who come to games.
"It's attractive because I think they all know as well, they want a period of stability. They want a period of success as well, which unfortunately they've not been able to get.
"But I think they're willing to go through the pain if the thought is that there is a rainbow at the other end."
Sunderland currently sit eight points adrift of safety in the standings.
Darren Plant
