Sunderland will be revived. Mark my words.

Clough Disciple will revive Black Cats

Those of you who remember Brian Clough will of course forever have his famous Nottingham Forest team etched in their memory. Most famously winning the European Cup in 1980.

O'Neill joined Forest in 1971 and was promptly relegated the following season. However when Clough became manager in 1975 they embarked on a golden era winning the First division title and league cup in 1978 and the european cup in '79 and '80 although O'Neill did not play in the '79 final due to injury.

Clough was an enigma. No doubt about that. Witness his horrible 45 day stint at Leeds United recently relived in the film "Damned United".

But he seemed to have the happy knack of telling players exactly what they wanted to hear and giving them confidence. Something O'Neill has already identified as the missing ingredient from his Sunderland team. The pupil has become the master and after a sixteen month sabbatical from football O'Neill is ready to work his magic once again.

Punters should be ready with their sports bets and get some money on Sunderland climbing up the table.

There is no doubt a lot of work to be done at the Stadium of Light but O'Neill obviously sees something he likes there. Is he about to build a Sunderland dynasty to build on the six first division titles they have won at the old Roker Park?

There are good business people at Sunderland, a fanatical crowd, great stadium and some decent players who need kicking up the arse or consoling to produce their best form.

Get your Bet on a top six finish next season.