Not only are Sunderland the second poorest team in the Premiership - they are also have three of the worst players in the North-East.

That is according to the latest Northern Echo Player of the Year rankings, which sees promotion-chasing Hartlepool feature heavily at the top of the ratings table with Chris Westwood remaining out in front, but the dour Black Cats dominate the wrong end of the ratings.

It's no wonder Howard Wilkinson's men reside amongst the top-flight's strugglers as three of their squad hold an average match rating of less than six.

Battling midfielder, Gavin McCann, and goal-shy striker, Tore Andre Flo see their efforts this season worthy an average of just 5.75 and 5.5 respectively while the current worst player in the North-East is Sunderland teammate, Kevin Kilbane.

Ironically the Republic of Ireland international was man-of-match at the Valley yesterday but prior to that he has featured in six games and amassed a collection of below par ratings, including a dire four for his performance in the derby defeat at Newcastle.

Both Newcastle and Middlebrough can boast a player who joins the same lowly bracket as McCann. United's Titus Bramble, still recovering from a shaky start to his St James' Park career, and Carlos Marinelli have done little to push their claims for regular starting berths with averages of 5.75.

It's not all been bad for Kilbane as, during Sunderland's win over Aston Villa, he achieved an eight. But it's scores of eight which have maintained Westwood's position at the top of the pile.

The classy Victoria Park centre-back has put in a string of man-of-the-match displays while fellow defender Graham Lee has climbed the ratings list to the lofty position of fourth.

The Pool pair sandwich the rejuvenated Joseph-Desire Job of Middlesbrough who sits second in the table while Hartlepool striker, Gordon Watson is still third despite not having played since September 14 after suffering a broken leg.

The consistent Gareth Southgate maintains his top ten status with a sixth-paced position while Boro teammate, Geremi, surges up the rankings to seventh with Darlington midfielder, Neil Maddison, currently out of the side, eighth. Sunderland make a rare appearance at the top end of the scale with David Bellion sitting joint ninth.

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