Sam Allardyce has claimed that Sunderland have 'come a long way' in 2016 and made themselves into a team that has become "difficult to beat".

The Black Cats have flirted with the relegation zone for much of the season, but Wednesday's 3-0 win over Everton secured survival in the Premier League and relegated Newcastle United and Norwich City in the process.

Allardyce also revealed that he is desperate to remain in charge at the Stadium of Light as he looks to boost the squad once again in the summer transfer window.

"If you back to November, Everton 6-2 Sunderland, it shows how far we have come," Allardyce told Sky Sports News. "There were a long few months winter months, we got players in January and turned into a team from January onwards. We became a team that was difficult to beat, who did not like losing and continued the run constantly for the last few months.

"The Norwich result was the big one we needed. We got close, there was a slip-up and then I think the performance against Chelsea, the comeback, gave us momentum to win this game against Everton.

"I hope I am here next season. We have just secured the financial side of being in the Premier League which was most important this season. What that gives us in terms of spending power, it is the same for everybody. It is about how wise we spend it, find players we need, like we did in January."

Patrick van Aanholt opened the scoring against Everton, before centre-back Lamine Kone hit a brace to make it a comfortable night for the Black Cats.