Former Sunderland star Don Hutchinson believes that Dick Advocaat is the right man to lead the Black Cats into the future.

Under the tutelage of Advocaat, Sunderland have given themselves a fighting chance of avoiding the drop by claiming three victories in their last six Premier League matches.

While there is still a bit of work left to be done in order for the Wearside club to stave off relegation, former midfielder Hutchinson is convinced that the Dutchman is the right man to lead the Black Cats beyond the end of the current campaign.

In his column for the Chronicle, Hutchinson wrote: 'I think that Dick Advocaat is the right man for Sunderland long-term. He has impressed me from the moment he stepped into the job and he's brought a calmness and authority to the role that has perhaps been missing for a little while.

'For a start I think he's the first person that they have had in that role for a while who isn't in it for himself. Now I don't doubt that Dick has got an ego and a bit of confidence about him. In football you need that, and you'll see many of the top managers, players and coaches with a bit of an ego.'