Gary Bennett: “I don’t think it comes down to Di Canio or down to Short. They BOTH have massive roles to play.
“Short will make plenty of money available again, I’m sure of that.
“He has watched the games, and he knows big changes have to be funded.
“But I think this time more than any other he’ll want value for money.
“I think he’ll want more from the Academy, and I think he’ll want more from player recruitment.
“I watched the FA Youth Cup final the other night, and saw Chelsea take on Norwich.
“Norwich had four or five good young players, who you could see going on to good things but why shouldn’t Sunderland be up there too? What have Norwich got that Sunderland haven’t?
“Short has been in football long enough to wonder why the Swanseas, West Broms and even Wigans can be buying so shrewdly, getting players in who blossom at their clubs, but don’t break the bank, and why we can’t be doing the same.
“I think he will give Paolo his head this summer – let him reshape it as he wants it – but I don’t see Short as some remote figure anymore, if he ever was, he will want to be involved because this is now a massive project for him now, and he wants to see some degree of stability and success.
“What encouraged me most, was Paolo’s statement on Sunday after the Southampton game: “I change everything,” because I think that’s what needs to happen.
“It needs to be a root and branch overhaul from top to bottom. We need to see more and better players coming through the Academy.
“Then you have to look at the scouting system.
“And as for the first team squad itself, major surgery is required.
“Major."