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David Moyes faces the axe if Sunderland do not beat Bournemouth on Saturday.

But the beleaguered manager — set to be confined to the stands for the match that may decide his future as he serves a touchline ban — does not feel he has been given the support he needs to keep the perennial strugglers up.

Owner Ellis Short is running out of patience after the Wearsiders , who have fought the drop every season since 2012-13, made the worst-ever start to a Premier League campaign this time — their miserable tally of two points from 10 games equals Manchester City's total from 1995 (Yes, City were relegated that season).

(Image: Sunderland AFC via Getty)

The club are already drawing up contingency plans, and the international break starting after this weekend's fixtures will give them a fortnight to make a change in the dug-out and try to regroup under the new man.

Moyes was appointed in late July when Sam Allardyce left for his brief reign as England manager, and does not believe he has received the backing he needed.

The former Everton, Manchester United and Real Sociedad boss felt unhappy with the club's recruitment in the summer transfer window, believing the squad was left weak.

(Image: PA Wire)

It is also understood he was disappointed when he and chief executive Martin Bain recently had a meeting with Short.

The 53-year-old came away from those talks feeling the American businessman, who wants to sell up at the Stadium of Light, was leaving it to him and Bain to sort out the club's problems.

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Moyes is also believed to be disappointed with some of the players he has inherited.

Lee Cattermole has not proved to be the leader he hoped he would be while others, such as centre-back Lamine Kone, tried to leave — Moyes suspects some of them do not want to be at the club any more.

Moyes will have to sit in the stands at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday as his fate is potentially decided. He'll only be able to relay brief instructions and but can give a team-talk at half-time.