Gus Poyet was today appointed Sunderland manager on a two-year contract but given the club’s recent history he should not look beyond that deal.
The former Tottenham and Chelsea midfielder is the sixth Sunderland boss in the last year five years, succeeding Paolo di Canio whose controversial reign lasted just 13 games.
But Poyet — himself sacked by Brighton in June following a dispute with the club — is not daunted by the task of taking on a team who are bottom of the Premier League with just one point from seven games.
“I look forward to proving my ability to the fans — I want them to believe because we need to stick together,” he said. “I think the key behind my strong home record at Brighton was the connection with the fans — I can see that here also. It’s a huge challenge but one I am excited about and I am grateful for the opportunity to manage in the Premier League.”
Although Poyet’s four years at Brighton ended acrimoniously, he did enjoy success on the south coast, leading them to the League One title in 2011 and taking them to last season’s Championship play-offs, where they lost in the semi-finals to Crystal Palace.
Former Sunderland midfielder Michael Gray hopes the club stop their habit of sacking so that Poyet can develop the squad long term.
Gray, who played under Poyet when he was assistant coach to Dennis Wise at Leeds, said: “I like Gus and respect him and I think he can do a good job at the club but it’s vital that he is given time. To have had that many managers in so few years is not healthy for any club. The owner has to stick by the new boss.
“You can’t guarantee instant success at any club. And sometimes I think you’ve just got to go with it — if you feel you’ve got a decent appointment, then give them time to build something.”
Sunderland owner Ellis Short, who has overseen the regular change of manager since buying into the club in 2008, is sure he has made the correct choice this time.
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He said: “We analysed a wide range of candidates and believe that Gus’s track record, experience, commitment and passion make him the right man to take us forward.”
Poyet, 45, has brought his coaching team of former Tottenham left-back Mauricio Taricco and Charlie Oatway to the Stadium of Light.
