Steve Bruce has been warned that his time at Sunderland may be up after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Wigan Athletic.
Bruce is due to meet Sunderland officials today for crunch talks over his future, and it is understood that he will plead for another chance to turn the Black Cats' season around.
Ex-Sunderland skipper Gary Bennett, however, has warned Bruce that his fate may already be sealed.
"Steve's under incredible pressure and it's a no-win situation for him," Bennett, who played more than 400 games for Sunderland, said.
"I think it's inevitable he will go, the question is when and how.
"If he continues and wins a few games, it will take the sting out of it. But as soon as he loses a couple on the trot the barracking will be back."
Sunderland are currently 16th in the Premier League with 11 points from 13 games.
