Ex-Rangers star gives insight into what Sunderland players can expect from Advocaat

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Neil McCann worked with new Sunderland manger Dick Advocaat during his time playing for Rangers.

Former Rangers star Neil McCann has spoken highly of new Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat on Sky Sports.

Advocaat was officially unveiled as the Black Cats’ new manager this morning, and McCann believes that he is a great appointment from the North East club.

McCann worked with Advocaat at Rangers, who the Dutchman managed for four years between 1998 and 2002, and has offered an insight into his managerial style.

“The players are going to notice a different style of coaching and the one thing they will see when Dick Advocaat takes to the coaching field is a presence,” he said.

“He doesn’t stand about, he doesn’t suffer fools, he is so organised and has a very disciplined approach to everything.

“And I am not just talking about football. That includes everything off the field too. How the boys turn up to training, how they eat and the style of football they play.

“He will have them attacking and I think that is something Sunderland have lacked of late. 23 goals in a season is poor but with guys like Jermain Defoe, Connor Wickham and Steven Fletcher they have creativity and goals and I think Dick Advocaat will find that formula… and find it fast.”

Sunderland supporters will be hoping that McCann is correct in his prediction that the appointment of Advocaat will work for the club.

The Wearsiders simply cannot afford to give their new manager time to make an impact and he will need to have an immediate impression on the squad if they are to avoid relegation.

At the moment Sunderland are one point above the drop zone, but their form suggests that a nervy end of the season is likely unless Advocaat makes drastic changes.

Under previous manager Gus Poyet, Sunderland won just four of their 29 Premier League matches and their total of 23 goals during this time is the second lowest in the entire division.

It means that Advocaat’s task is clear, but there is no guarantee that he will find the successful formula and it remains to be seen whether this decision will finally see Sunderland start climbing the table.