Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn is convinced manager Gus Poyet is a long-term prospect.
Quinn believes the Uruguayan has transformed the entire place in five months.
"When Gus took over he inherited a club and a dressing room bordering on anarchy. He has brought confidence back. There is direction, leadership. The manager credits players at the right time but challenges them too. They believe in themselves again," he told the Mail on Sunday.
"He has all the hallmarks of any good manager. Unbelievably, they've got a good chance of survival from what looked an impossible position.
"It'd be terrific for Gus to win a trophy after taking over what was a wobbly ship. But it'd also be great for the owner Ellis Short - he does an awful lot for the club.
"I'll be honest with you - Ellis actually wanted Poyet to replace Steve Bruce in 2011. He had followed his progress very closely and continued to do so afterwards.
"We as a board made the decision to bring Martin O'Neill in, who started well but it didn't quite go to plan."
