Veteran Dutch boss Dick Advocaat returned to Sunderland on Thursday and signed a one-year deal with the club from the north east.
The 67-year-old had left the club when the season finished after stating that he wanted to finish his club management career, but it seems he has had a change of heart.
Survived
Advocaat only arrived at Sunderland in March and managed to help the club survive the drop and finish in 16th place in the Premier League table.
The Black Cats lost just twice in his eight games in charge and the Dutchman guided them to vital wins against Newcastle and Everton.
Morale and confidence was low on his arrival and the Black Cats end of season fixture list did not look kind, as they faced tough trips to the likes of Everton and Arsenal.
However, against all odds they claimed a victory on Merseyside, before somehow grinding out a goalless draw in north London.
Improvement
Advocaat himself has stated that the club must invest in better players this summer, so maybe he will have money to spend on improving his squad this summer. Sunderland have not exactly been big spenders by Premier League standards in recent years.
Target
No doubt the Black Cats targets for the new season will depend on how much Advocaat is given to spend in the transfer market.
The squad does need improving this summer, but the Dutchman will be hoping that his team makes a good start to the campaign and avoids their perennial relegation battle.
Will Dick Advocaat continue to be successful at Sunderland?
