The new Sunderland AFC manager will be expected to get the club promoted automatically this season. The Black Cats currently sit ninth place in League One, and travel to second placed Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday. 

Jack Ross was sacked last Tuesday, a few hours before their EFL Trophy match against Grimsby Town. The 43-year-old Scotsman did a lot of good work at Sunderland on and off the field, and if his side could of won both cup finals last campaign, his tenure would have worked out completely differently.

Sunderland were heavy favourites to win promotion back to the Championship at the first time of asking, however after drawing 19 games, they only managed to finish in fifth position. Ross’ side defeated Portsmouth in the play-off semi-finals 1-0 over two legs, before losing 2-1 to Charlton Athletic at Wembley in the final, despite taking an early lead.

Earlier in the season, Sunderland lost to Portsmouth on a penalty shootout in the final of the Checkatrade Trophy. Many fans felt the large amount of games damaged their chances of automatic promotion, and to come away with no trophy or promotion was a failure.

This season was heading in the same direction as the last one for Sunderland, too many draws meaning another play-off spot was likely. Chairman, Stewart Donald, opted to sack Ross last week, in hope his predecessor can get the side promoted this campaign.

So, let’s look at a few things Sunderland must address immediately...

Hire a manager 

Sunderland need a manager to get them out of League One. Whether it’s just a short-term appointment, or a long-term appointment, the ultimate aim for this season has to be to get promoted.

To achieve that, you expect Donald to be targeting a manager that has experience of winning promotion in the EFL. Both Nigel Pearson and Phil Parkinson bring that to the table, so if either of them were appointed, it would make sense.

Build a team around Will Grigg

The Northern Irishman is one of the most prolific strikers in this division. Grigg scored 44 goals in two League One campaigns at Wigan Athletic, helping them to win two titles. Previously, Grigg has also shown his goalscoring prowess at Brentford, Milton Keynes Dons and Walsall.

Sunderland signed Grigg, just expecting him to turn up and instantly score the goals to see them promoted. He needs service and quality around him. At Wigan, players like Nick Powell and Michael Jacobs were playing close to him, creating chances, while scoring goals of their own to relieve the pressure on him.

With Sunderland having Aiden McGeady and Chris Maguire, it is a bit of a mystery as to why Grigg has yet to set the place alight. Anyway, the new manager must prioritise and build an attack that Grigg spearheads. Grigg will be the difference between Sunderland getting automatic promotion, and finishing in the play-offs again.

Find your best team and stick with it

Sunderland fans were critical of Ross for changing his team around too often.  With the Scotsman having a large, talented squad at his disposal, you can understand why he tried different systems and partnerships on the pitch.

However, it does then become difficult for players to build relationships on the pitch, often leading to errors and poor performances.

Sunderland are already playing catch up, as they sit eight points behind league leaders Ipswich Town. It’s important the new manager finds his best team, and sticks with it.