Jermain Defoe has said that he is hopeful the appointment of Dick Advocaat as Sunderland's permanent manager will help the club push on next season.
The Black Cats endured a disappointing campaign last time out, finishing just three points above the Premier League relegation zone.
Results improved drastically under the watch of Advocaat, who was brought in on a short-term deal towards the end of the campaign, and having initially turned down the job he has now been tied down until at least next summer.
"Dick came out and said he decided to go for family reasons, but after that he has sat down and thought about it. He believes he can still do a good job," Defoe is quoted as saying by the The Northern Echo. "I was delighted because he is a good man and a good manager.
"I think we can do well this year because training was always sharp with Dick. He got off to a good start. He came into the changing rooms and from day one he wanted us to be sharper in training and then sharp in games. He didn't care who you were, everyone was regarded the same.
"When a manager comes in and keeps you on your toes and you respect his experience you get better performances. Training went up a notch. Everyone was focused last season and I think if we start this season strongly we can do well."
Sunderland get their 2015-16 season underway with a trip to face Leicester City on the opening weekend.
Daniel Lewis
