Former Sunderland full-back Michael Gray has called on the club's board to give manager Steve Bruce a chance to turn things around in the Premier League.

The North East side have had a run of disappointing results, dropping down to 16th in the league table, taking eleven points from a possible thirty-nine.

"I hope Bruce doesn't walk away," Gray told talkSPORT. "We all know when things aren't going well your confidence takes a massive hit and it's hard to get yourself out of it. And that's where they are at the moment.

"It's really cut-throat in the Premier League, but I hope Steve is given time. I thought the abuse at the weekend was a bit overboard.

"You pay your money and you can have a go but, when it goes too far, that's when you have to question yourself as a supporter because it's your team. People have to be patient and give Bruce a chance."

Bruce's side have suffered six defeats so far this season.