New Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson has praised the clubs plans for the future after taking over the Stadium of Light hot seat.
Johnson's tenure got off to the worst possible start after a 1-0 defeat to Wigan Athletic, but the Black Cats can kick start their season at Boundary Park this evening.
The Wearsiders are without a win in seven games in all competitions and Johnson is well aware of the task at hand.
The new head coach says tonight's game will be an "extended training session" and is set to make just a handful of changes as he attempts to get his ideas across to the squad.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Johnson praised the clubs vision for the future as well as current owner Stewart Donald, saying his "heart is in the right place."
Johnson said: "I had a very good chat with Stewart Donald and found him a very, very good man.
"His heart is in the right place, he loves the football club. The ownership group has got a very defined plan.
"I was sat at home, in discussions with a couple of other clubs, and Sunderland came in. They blew me away with their plans.
"There's plans to invest, that's the key. The youth team, the young players.
"We've got to fight these big boys - the likes of Newcastle, Middlesbrough - to bring young players to Sunderland.
"All I see is potential. I'm privileged and honoured to be given this job.
"When you're Sunderland manager in League One, there's absolutely no doubt that [promotion] is the expectation."
