Sunderland should work with fans before play-offs

Former Sunderland player Kieron Brady wants the club to take steps "not generally thought of as a norm in football" to help inspire the team to the Championship play-off final.

Talking to BBC Radio Newcastle after what he described as a "flat" and "insipid" 1-0 loss at home to Swansea, Brady said "there is an element of surrealism" to the Black Cats' end to the season.

"It's completely unlike two years ago when Sunderland's foray into the play-offs was very last gasp after victory at Preston," Brady said.

"It's something that most have suspected is going to be the case now for four to six to even eight week.

"So many of the thoughts now are on what happens once the 46 games are concluded and…