On This Day (30 January 2018): Coleman's Sunderland look doomed after defeat to fellow strugglers!

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Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

A trip to the Midlands didn't bring any respite for the former Wales boss, as the Lads' 2017/2018 season continued to plumb new depths of misery

He had the charisma and he had the charm, but Chris Coleman's exciting appointment as Sunderland manager was turning into a damp squib as the former Wales manager was having next to no effect on the fortunes of his ailing side.

Coleman took over in November 2017, with expectations high that a boss who'd managed at Premier League and international level, along with coaching some of the world's best players including Gareth Bale, would be enough to ensure that Sunderland stayed in the division at the very least.

Despite a morale-boosting win against Burton Albion in one of his first games in charge, Coleman's team never seemed to be able to find any rhythm in order to make things better.

It must added that the situation he walked into — both on and off the pitch — was an absolute mess, and it made things extremely difficult for the Welshman.

Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

On this day in 2018, a rearranged fixture between Steve Cotterill's Birmingham City and ourselves was one that both teams were eying up as a perfect opportunity for victory.

Ultimately, there was only one team ever going to win at St Andrew's and it wasn't Sunderland, as the team put in an absolutely horrendous performance and were second best to everything.

Based on reputations and names, the Sunderland team on paper looked better than the home side but between a complete lack of fitness, game plan and desire to win, we looked like a team destined for relegation.

Two of the goals came in the first half, with goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter hapless between the sticks, whilst the third was scored just after half time.

David Davis gave the Blues the lead when he squeezed a finish past Ruiter at his near post, before Jeremie Boga headed Jacques Maghoma's cross into the bottom corner to make it 2-0 before half-time and Davis squared for Sam Gallagher to tap in a third.

Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images

Despite a consolation goal from Bryan Oviedo, the fans and Coleman were absolutely disgusted by a performance that was indicative of where we stood in the league.

After the game, Coleman was left bemused by his team's performance but it was quite clear we were only going one way.

It's unacceptable, that's the word. We can't even begin to accept that.

All over the pitch for an hour we were second best. I don't get it. These games are cup finals for us.

You win and you lose but it was the manner of the first hour, which was surprising considering where we are and who we were playing.

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