Sunderland boss David Moyes has warned the club’s fans that the Black Cats are almost certain to be battling relegation again this season.

Moyes replaced Sam Allardyce at the Stadium of Light when his predecessor elected to take the England job.

The Scot watched as his new side lost at home to Middlesbrough on Sunday, their second consecutive loss of the new season, before warning fans that hard times are ahead yet again.

Moyes feels it is clear there will be no ‘dramatic changes’ in status for Sunderland this season and that, he says, means another scrap to avoid relegation.

Asked what his response would be to fans who fear another survival battle, Moyes said: “Well, they would probably be right because that’s where they’ve been every other year for the last four years, so why would it suddenly change?

“I think it will be, I don’t think you can hide the facts – that will be the case, yes. People will be flat because they are hoping that something is going to dramatically change – it can’t dramatically change, it can’t.”

Moyes’ defensive problems were emphasised in Sunday’s loss to Middlesbrough. Younes Kaboul left for Watford last week while Lamine Kone missed the game with a back injury and is a rumoured target for Everton.

John O’Shea was forced off with a groin problem. The former Manchester United manager wants to get some reinforcements on board before the transfer window closes, but he concedes it will not be straightforward.

“What we have got, we are having to add to it with young players as well as one or two experienced players, and we have got to try to get the balance right and obviously choose and get the right players at the right price in the transfer market,” he added.

“That’s actually quite difficult. It’s easy said, but it’s not that easy and the prices, as you can imagine, are a bit more than they have been in the past.”

Sunderland are 2.25 to be relegated from the Premier League this season. They are 6.00 to win their next game, away at Southampton.