Former Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn says the club should appoint Dick Advocaat long-term.
Quinn was speaking after the derby win over Newcastle United.
Asked if he would appoint Advocaat long-term, Quinn told Sky Sports: "Ellis Short would kill me for saying this, but if he adds his tactical nous and keeps this team up then I would be breaking the bank to make sure he stays, and give him a different type of tenure than the previous guys. He could be the man to make a three-to-five-year plan out of it.
"They're really playing for this guy. Patrick van Aanholt was all over the shop against Aston Villa but he was brilliant today. It shows the players are behind him.
"I share Gus Poyet's belief that the team should play in a way that the fans can be proud of, but these fans want to see heart and passion.
"To find a manager who can produce that kind of atmosphere, I think he will be great for the club."