David Moyes is already coming under pressure at Sunderland

David Moyes will be given "every possible opportunity to succeed" at Sunderland despite the club's poor start to the season.

The Black Cats are bottom of the table after a record-equalling worst start to their season which has seen Moyes installed as the bookmakers' favourite to be the next manager to lose his job.

The former Real Sociedad, Manchester United, Everton and Preston boss has yet to secure a Premier League win, picking up just two points from eight games since succeeding Sam Allardyce.

Moyes sits next to Martin Bain during a pre-season friendly

However, the under pressure Scot, who admitted after Saturday's defeat to Stoke that the club are already entering must win territory in the battle to avoid relegation, has received the backing of chief executive Martin Bain.

"It's been a turbulent start," Bain told the club's website. "From a football perspective we aren't where we want to be, but from a personal perspective I've got a good feel for the people and I had to understand the identity of the club before I could make recommendations.

Moyes gives his reaction to Sky Sports after his side were defeated 2-0 by Stoke. Moyes gives his reaction to Sky Sports after his side were defeated 2-0 by Stoke.

"David is an experienced manager and he is a character. I think he is in the top four most experienced managers in the Premier League in terms of games managed.

"He is a builder. He understands the need to win, first and foremost, but in parallel, he understands that the job he has come here to do - and the job I have come here to do - is to build, to rebuild really."

Bain, who replaced Margaret Byrne in the summer, has called on the club's supporters to be patient and give Moyes time.

"We have a North East football club that needs to be synonymous with the North East," Bain added. "I think this club has lost its identity. It has tried to be a club that is not.

Premier League highlights: Stoke 2-0 Sunderland Premier League highlights: Stoke 2-0 Sunderland

"Let's build and let's take a longer term approach. This is a rebuilding plan and I hope the fans can stick by their club and I'm sure they will, because there has been a lot of suffering here."

"My daily task at the moment with David is to strengthen this team and to give him every possible opportunity to succeed."

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