MICK McCarthy's Sunderland reign is hanging by a thread, with his fate apparently in the hands of the club's fans.

Saturday's 2-0 reverse at Charlton made it ten straight defeats, nine in the Premiership, and the Black Cats boss now finds himself at the mercy of the Stadium of Light faithful.

The city's evening paper, The Sunderland Echo, is running a phone poll asking supporters whether McCarthy should go.

A vote in favour of sacking the former Republic of Ireland boss would undoubtedly influence chairman Bob Murray and, with the Black Cats without a game until Boxing Day, if McCarthy is to go then now would appear to be the optimum time.

With home games against Bolton and Everton and trips to Blackburn and Fulham coming up, Murray would be hopeful of picking up points from every one of those games.

If he believes that cannot be achieved under the stewardship of McCarthy, then the 46-year-old's 33-month reign at the Stadium of Light is seemingly over.

A bullish McCarthy has refused to quit the club, despite their precarious position at the foot of the table with just five points from 17 games, and even after Saturday's defeat in south London insisted he remains positive.

"Of course it bothers me where we are and what position we're in but it doesn't bother me personality-wise. I don't go around with a face like a slapped arse because if I do it's not going to make it any better," said McCarthy.

"You have to have a positive outlook on life and if you don't, it's only going to get worse."

What could be most worrying for Murray is the manager's refusal to blame the players for the Black Cats' plight, and his belief he simply can't get any more out of them.

McCarthy spent close to £10m in the summer on transfers, signing-on fees and wages, bringing the likes of Jon Stead, Andy Gray and Kelvin Davis to the Stadium of Light.

Stead has failed to find the net, Gray has managed that just once, and McCarthy was forced to drop £1.25m signing Davis and replace him with 18-year-old rookie Ben Alnwick after the former Ipswich keeper conceded ten goals in three league games.

Those fans backing the manager believe he wasn't given enough money to compete in the top-flight, while his detractors insist he spent badly in the summer.

McCarthy said: "The fact is, when clubs are struggling fans do have a go at chairmen, they have a go at players and managers, that's just the way it is.

"We just have to get on with it. I think I'm getting every last drop out of the players."

The club have earmarked just £1m to spend in the January transfer window, plus whatever can be raised by wheeling and dealing with the current squad.

The most saleable asset remains skilful Argentinian Julio Arca and McCarthy had hoped his return to first-team action could drive his side to victory at The Valley.

But even the inspirational Arca couldn't fire the Wearsiders to end their miserable run.

McCarthy, however, remains full of admiration for the 24-year-old. "He's one of us," said McCarthy. "He's a Premiership-quality player and we all appreciate him, but he rates all the other guys as well.

"He was in a hard-working, grafting team last year that won the Championship and he's one special player.

"He isn't any more or any less than any member of my dressing room. It's got to be a collective thing. But that's the way he is.

"He isn't going to get us out of this mire on his own. I thought he was fantastic at Charlton. He makes us a better team.

"Dean Kiely made two fantastic saves from him."

l Sunderland have announced they are offering cut-price admission for fans wishing to see next month's FA Cup third round tie against either Woking or Northwich Victoria at the Stadium of Light - with tickets priced £10, and £5 concessions.

The game is on Sunday, January 8 (3pm), and the Black Cats had hoped they could offer a similar deal that saw prices of £5 and £1 for the Carling Cup game against Arsenal earlier this season.

But they failed to reach an agreement with the non-league clubs, and the Football Association challenge cup committee fixed prices at £10 and £5.

Tickets go on sale at 10am today with season ticket holders having until 3pm on Boxing Day to buy their usual seats.