Sunderland supporters won’t quite know what to expect from their side this Championship season as the Black Cats head into the great unknown with an unproven EFL manager at the helm.
Regis Le Bris was eventually appointed as the fresh face to lead the Wearside outfit after much deliberation from the powers that be at the Stadium of Light, hopeful that the ex-Lorient manager can be a rip-roaring success from the dug-out, and not another disappointment akin to Michael Beale.
The expectant Sunderland masses will be hopeful that the new French manager can help their side regain their mojo and fight again for a playoff spot in the challenging division, having very much lost their way last season with a revolving door of managers, falling to a dire 16th place finish come the conclusion of the sobering 46-game schedule.
There has been some positive business that will excite even the most pessimistic set of supporters, with experienced Championship midfielder Alan Browne a shrewd capture from Preston North End, but a new potent striker still manages to elude the Black Cats.
Any apprehension about the campaign to come will soon be pushed to one side if Sunderland manage to collect an opening day win at the expense of Cardiff City however, as a lengthy trip to Wales now awaits.
