Advocaat delighted working with Sunderland chief Congerton

Even as French global midfielder Yann M’Vila was on his way to the Stadium of Light as the latest addition to Advocaat’s squad, albeit on loan, some perfectly loyal but level-headed Sunderland fans were still debating the prospects for beating the drop.

Sunderland found themselves stuck in the relegation zone for much of last season with Advocaat claiming the lack of competition in the side contributed to their struggles.

Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat hopes to sign at least two more players before the end of the transfer window.

‘But I had a contract, I had to do my job and it was important for the fans I went back. Their inability to tackle was also seen in their poor disciplinary record, as they went on to pick up 92 cards all year, of which two were reds and 95 were yellows – the worst in Premier League history.

He plans to add another two players to his squad, on top of the five he has already signed this summer.

“I am very excited after deciding to come back”.

“They have very good players but now because the rouble is going down the players are starting to leave”. The players from the clubs in the east, for example Shakhtar Donetesk, they had to move immediately.

The Netherlands global, who played at the 2014 World Cup, has arrived with a reputation for goalscoring from wide midfield.

“I can also score goals and if I’m in a good position I will try to score”. When the political situation changed, I told them to stay in Holland. I met him once in Switzerland at a UEFA conference.

Although just three losses from their remaining nine games, which included an unbeaten run in five consecutive outings, saw them complete the great escape. Did the 28-year-old do it at random or does he truly believe in Dick Advocaat’s charges?

“Lens is not the only one I am excited by”. The last time I played for a team that was not challenging for titles, I was only 18 or 19. “You can see it as a fighting mentality and that I hate to lose, ‘ he says with a smile”.

“It is true I have a good relationship with Lee also”.

The 32-year-old former England worldwide is a proven Premier League marksman having scored an impressive 128 goals in 380 appearances during spells at West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and now Sunderland.