David Moyes has been told by owner Ellis Short that he will be kept on as Sunderland’s manager, even if they are relegated from the Premier League.

It is a remarkable vote of confidence in the former Manchester United and Everton manager, given the huge financial ramifications of falling out of the Premier League. However, Short is confident he has already got the man he needs to rebuild the club, regardless of what division they are in.

In turn, although Moyes has felt as though he has had one hand tied behind his back this season because of the terrible financial situation at the Stadium of Light – the club will announce losses of around £20m again this year - he is determined to prove he still has the hunger for club management.

Crucially, having sacked a manager every year since 2010, Short does not have the appetite for more upheaval. After so long resorting to short term firefighting, to cling on to top fight status, the American feels the only way forward is to stick with Moyes.

Moyes has had an ineffectual first season, with Sunderland stuck in the relegation places since August, but has still impressed with the way he has handled himself during such a dispiriting campaign.