Former Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn believes it would be a good thing for Sunderland if they were relegated from the Premier League this season, down to the Championship.
The Black Cats have regularly struggled down at the bottom end of the Premier League in recent years, pulling off a number of escape acts to maintain their spot in the top flight.
The Stadium of Light outfit again look to be set for a season of slog under new manager David Moyes, who has warned of a relegation battle, despite the campaign still being in its infancy.
Redfearn, who managed in the Championship with Leeds United, thinks that Sunderland would benefit from going down and then bouncing back up.
However, he conceded that the club and fans will not agree with his assessment.
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"They probably need to go [down] to be honest with you, to start again", he said on Radio Yorkshire.
"They won't think that and the supporters definitely won't, but it might be better for them if they go down and have a season where they are a big club and come back up out of the Championship.
"At this moment in time they seem to be struggling every season.
"I saw the game against Everton and Everton took them apart [to win 3-0].
"Everton aren't going to threaten that top three four and to be taken apart by Everton, they obviously are in a mess", Redfearn added.
Sunderland are presently propping up the Premier League standings with just two points taken from their opening seven games and a goal difference of minus seven.
Moyes' men face a key clash after the international break when they travel to fellow strugglers Stoke City, a game quickly followed by another trip, this time to West Ham United.
