Martin O'Neill met the press for the first time since officially being unveiled as manager of Sunderland AFC this afternoon.
The new man at the helm is wasting no time in understandings the situation at Sunderland saying "Confidence is not at its highest. It just ebbed away [against Wolves] and they conceded the late goal."
"But there is very good spirit among the players. There is an energy in this football club and an obvious passion."
Mr O'Neill has already captured the hearts and minds of the wearside faithful when he stated earlier in the week. "I supported Sunderland as a boy. I was brought up where people supported Rangers and Celtic - and another English team. I chose Sunderland. But I wouldn't want to play too much up to the Sunderland 'boyhood hero' thing."
He continued this afternoons press conference by saying "Eric Black kindly took charge for Sunday, but I'll be brining in Steve Walford and Seamus McDonagh as part of my backroom staff.
"I would like to be really successful at this club, it's a privilidge to be manager of Sunderland. Reigniting the fans passion is a big part of the job"
"I feel it's important to start with a clean slate, everybody gets a chance".
What that means for on loan Asamoah Gyan remains to be seen with the fans split over whether he should return or not.
Despite rumours of a £20m+ transfer kitty in the national press, O'Neill confirmed that he has not discussed the forth coming transfer window budget, however it is expected that funds will be made available.
O'Neill confirmed he had preliminary discussions with Sunderland and Niall Quinn back in 2006, but felt he could not take the role due to his wifes illness.
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