New Sunderland owner Stewart Donald has revealed that the next Sunderland manager will be given a 'hefty' budget to get the club back in the Championship.

The former Eastleigh chairman completed his takeover of the club yesterday and his first major task will be appointing a new manager.

Then, the aim will be to bounce back immediately to the second tier after successive relegations have left the Black Cats in League One.

And, Donald told the reporters that funds will be available as they look to rebuild the squad. "Looking at the numbers we have put through, the budget for Sunderland is going to be pretty hefty for League One."

"It's going to be a lot more than any of the teams that got promoted last season had got. It's going to be a good budget for Sunderland and I'm sure it's a budget one or two Championship clubs would like."

The Wearside outfit were in serious trouble financially before the takeover but the debt was cleared as part of the £40m deal that Donald completed with Ellis Short.

The Verdict

This is very good news for Sunderland fans who will actually be looking forward to the new season under new management and an owner.

The Black Cats will be the biggest club in League One and with a big budget they will certainly be favourites to go up.

Now though, they need to identify a new boss and then work on building a competitive squad as a lot of work does need doing.

Thoughts, Sunderland fans? Let us know in the comments below.