The two have been working closely behind the scenes in recent weeks to identify transfer targets and sound out possible deals, armed with up to £50m from new owner Ellis Short.

Bruce will get down to work in earnest next week, when he will start the process of assessing the players he already has at his disposal and what he needs to improve the squad.

But amid speculation linking the Black Cats with the likes of Darren Bent, Robbie Keane, Didier Zokora, Tom Huddlestone, Jermaine Pennant, Richard Dunne, Lee Cattermole and Titus Bramble, Quinn is determined not to gamble with Short's money following Roy Keane's £80m spending spree.

Quinn said: "All transfers have a risk to them, but we have got to try to minimise that risk.

"I think we will do that automatically by bringing spirited players in who the crowd will react to and who will put a shift in.

"That's what Sunderland people crave. Those who understand that will thrive here.

"There's some fabulous talent in that dressing room already and if we can harness it with some steely characters, it will give us a chance and that will breed three or four others.

"We just didn't quite have that last year. I'm looking forward to people like Andy Reid becoming men this year.

"I hope it happens, that we bring in a few people that spark the others to up their game and up their responsibility levels and up their opinions of themselves."

For all that Sunderland are expected to make major signings this summer, Quinn has admitted that there will not be wholesale changes.

He is confident the nucleus of the side is there, although the departure of loan signing Djibril Cisse means a striker of proven Premier League quality is a priority.