Chris Coleman: Sunderland manager confident in face of daunting task

Though the challenges facing Sunderland are immense, so is the potential of the club to rebound, as evidenced by Coleman’s willingness to give up managing his country to move to the north east.

While his last British club post ended at Coventry in May 2010, external after a 19th place Championship finish, Coleman enjoyed more success with Wales and has brought experienced assistant Kit Symons with him for support.

The infrastructure at the club, most notably the Academy of Light, which opened in 2003, is also in place to help get them back on the right track.

“He’s seen the size of Sunderland, the stadium, the facilities, the academy,” former Birmingham, Blackpool and Huddersfield boss Clark said.

“Chris himself said someone will turn it around and get the positivity back, why shouldn’t it be him?

“Whoever does will be in charge of a magnificent football club.”