Stewart Donald has issued a rallying call to Sunderland fans insisting the Black Cats' best chance of winning promotion is with their backing.
Sunderland's disappointing end of season form continued on Saturday as they fell to a 2-1 defeat away at Southend United.
The Wearsiders have won just one of their last seven games and defeat at Roots Hall meant Jack Ross' side ended the campaign in fifth-place in the League One table.
They now face Portsmouth over two legs in the play-off semi-finals. Pompey are yet to taste defeat against the Black Cats this season and, of course, beat Sunderland at Wembley Stadium in the Checkatrade Trophy final.
Understandably some Sunderland fans have been left frustrated by how their side has ended the season and although he acknowledged their frustrations, Donald has tried to rally the red-and-white army on social media ahead of the vital end of season play-offs.
" @SunderlandAFC fans. Your support has been sensational," Donald said.
"You have wanted to believe in us and have been inspirational.
"I appreciate a lot are frustrated with the p/offs. We can though still do this. We can reflect later but our best chance is with your backing - together please."
Donald then also added a follow up tweet to say he will be signing off social media until the end of the play-off campaign.
Sunderland's play-off bid begins on Saturday, May 11, with the action getting underway at 7:30pm from the Stadium of Light.
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