Sunderland will play in the second tier of English football next season having been emphatically relegated from the Premier League, and new boss Simon Grayson will lead the Black Cats in the Championship having linked up with the club from Preston North End.

Grayson has a lot to do this summer if he is to turn the club around following a dismal spell under David Moyes, and will need to install a new breath of life into the down and out squad.

If Sunderland are to compete next season, Grayson will need leaders to continue to emerge from his current crop, and Lee Cattermole must be the man to take charge in the dressing room this summer.

The long serving midfielder has been at the Stadium of Light for 8 years, and is one of the most experienced heads in the side.

Surrounded by a crop of extremely talented young players, Cattermole must act as a role model under Grayson, and the former Leeds boss should look to make the midfielder his right hand man next season.

With the likes of Paddy McNair, Duncan Watmore, Donald Love and more set to be given increased opportunities next season, Grayson must supplement this youthful contingent with experience, and Cattermole could prove vital both on and off the pitch in guiding and developing the fledgling careers of these young stars.

New faces will arrive at the club over the course of pre season, but Grayson will understand the importance of those already at the club.

If Cattermole can help Grayson rally the troops and launch an unexpected bid for promotion with his leadership and example on the field, then the player could become a legend in the north east.

Cattermole’s commitment to the club is unquestionable, and this tough tackling middle man could be the surprise driving force behind any Sunderland success next season.

Sunderland fans - do you agree with this? How important is Lee Cattermole? Let us know below...