'It’s taking on the supporters' - Dion Dublin makes bold statement following Lee Johnson's appointment

Ex-Manchester United and Norwich City striker Dion Dublin has delivered his verdict on Sunderland’s appointment of Lee Johnson as head coach.

Phil Parkinson was sacked a week ago, following a draw against Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town, prompting the club’s hierarchy to turn towards former Bristol City boss Johnson.

“He’s got a lot of experience in and around League Two, League One and the Championship, Dublin explained.

“He knows how he wants to play the game, he’s got some good tools to work with, the pressure is going to be completely different to anywhere he’s been as a manager.

“We’ve said it many times but Sunderland is a huge football club with a fan base that stretches far and wide. Taking on this job is not just taking Sunderland back to the promised land, it’s taking on the supporters, it’s taking on everything about the place, he’s going to find it very difficult, walking around the streets of Sunderland he’s going to be under pressure.

“I think he’s got the attributes to do [a good job], whether the players can listen to him and take on this information is another thing but the club itself is huge, can he move it forward, that’s the main thing.”

Despite only being appointed on Saturday, Johnson was on the touchline later that afternoon as Sunderland lost to Wigan Athletic in League One.

The loss against the Latics leaves the Black Cats without a win in seven in all competitions and sitting ninth in League One, eight points off the automatic promotion places.