The step up to the next level, which was promised at the start of the campaign just ended, never materialised, and people lording it over others at our survival would do well to remember that it was the inadequacies of others rather than our own ability that saved our skins.

So now we find ourselves on the verge of yet another brand new dawn.
More promises of millions to spend, and a "world-class" manager to boot, will no doubt give renewed hope.

But whoever the new man is, he not only has to sign the players to enhance the squad, but he has to get the best out of the stars we already have.

Far too many of the current squad have under-performed this season, and while they have to take responsibility for that, it is also down to the manager and coaches to have them firing on all cylinders.

There is no doubt we have some very talented footballers at the club, there is also no doubt that some of the players just aren't good enough at this level.

Now we need a new direction and a fresh impetus to take us forward and away from the situation where we are battling against the drop season after season.

If we are ever to harbour ambitions of being more than just a side who are there to make up the numbers in the top flight, we have to move on to that next level.

And that means having the right man, and in my opinion a high-profile man, in the manager's hot seat.

Roy Keane's decision to wash his hands of the club and walk away from Wearside saw the Black Cats go overnight from being box office to an aside in the national news.

Many fans might not care if their club is hogging the headlines or constantly in the media spotlight, but under Keane, people worldwide started to get to know the name of Sunderland.

And in the modern game, the strength of the brand name is just as important as the strength of the squad.

Now we need a new manager to get us back on the international footballing map.

Just who that man is remains to be seen with Martin Jol, Gordon Strachan, Louis van Gaal, Steve Bruce, Steve McClaren and Alan Curbishley among the names linked with the job.

However, before any decision can be made, the Black Cats are anxiously awaiting the signature of someone who could be far more important than any manager.

I am, of course, talking about billionaire Ellis Short.

Short is expected to complete his takeover of the club this summer, and is said to have guaranteed the new man at the helm money to spend, but Sunderland supporters may have to wait until the American is in overall charge before anyone is appointed.

It could be an anxious few weeks for the Black Cats supporters, but it won't be dull – then again, following Sunderland rarely is.