Sunderland have recently announced that they have appointed Phil Parkinson as their new manager, as he fills the vacancy left after Jack Ross was relieved of his duties over the international break.
Parkinson hasn't been out of work for long, after resigning from his role in charge of Bolton Wanderers, who had their fair share of off-the-field problems during his tenure.
Speaking in his first press-conference in charge of the club, Parkinson insists that he is going to get the best out of the current crop of players at the Stadium of Light.
"The club were unlucky not to get promoted last season. My job now is to get the extra 10-15% out of everyone to make sure we do achieve it this season."
The 51-year-old went on to reveal that the aim going forward is to win promotion, which is a target that is certainly realistic given that the Black Cats are four points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
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"I am ready and relishing the challenge at Sunderland. Everyone knows the expectations. The aim is to get promoted. I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t believe we could achieve that."
Sunderland are currently sat ninth in the third tier, and will be hoping that they can keep themselves in contention with the promotion-chasing pack.
It's not going to be an easy first game in charge for Parkinson though, as his side travel to Adams Park to take on Wycombe Wanderers who currently sit second in the League One table.
The Verdict:
I think this could be a really good appointment for Sunderland going forward.
He might not be the most inspiring manager in terms of being a 'big name' that some of the club's supporters were keen to see appointed, but he knows how to get a team out of League One more importantly.
Parkinson won promotion with Bolton, and he's got an even better squad to work with Sunderland, so I think he'll be a success at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland need to win promotion in the near future, and I certainly believe that they can achieve that under Parkinson's guidance this term.