Sunderland season preview

Rob Parrish looks ahead to what could prove to be a pivotal season for Sunderland and manager Steve Bruce.

The time has come for Sunderland to take a serious stride forward under the stewardship of Steve Bruce and establish themselves in the top half of the Premier League table. For a third successive summer, Bruce has been well backed by Black Cats owner Ellis Short and club chairman Niall Quinn in the transfer market, with nine new faces having arrived at the Stadium of Light and Ahmed Elmohamady making his loan move permanent. While the £24million invested by Sunderland appears paltry in comparison to some of the sums splashed by the Premier League's leading lights, it remains a significant amount for a side who have achieved precious little in the past two campaigns. A sense of déjà vu descended over Wearside last term as a promising start to the season, which included notable results against some of the top teams, was derailed by a lengthy slump that pushed the club into the fringes of the relegation scrap. On both occasions, Bruce was able to muster a recovery to pull the club clear of danger and will doubtless point to the fact that his side were able to achieve a standing among the top half of England's elite last season. But the Black Cats could only garner an additional three-point haul compared to their efforts of the previous 12 months - which certainly smacks of treading water, rather than striking out for exciting new shores. Sunderland fans are certainly expecting an improvement this term and a recent poll of the red and white faithful by the club's official website showed that half expect their side to finish between fifth and eighth next term. There is no doubt Bruce has made the signings to achieve that ambition, strengthening all areas of his team with what looks to be an impressive combination of proven Premier League experience and emerging talent. Versatile defensive pair John O'Shea and Wes Brown, like Bruce, have learned from the best under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and their big-game experience will be a welcome bonus, while former Birmingham duo Craig Gardner and Seb Larsson are excellent midfield additions. Asamoah Gyan will be the focal point up front once again, with exciting youngsters Connor Wickham and Ji Dong-Won brought in. Fraizer Campbell's second serious knee injury is a significant blow for player and club, but Stephane Sessegnon can be employed in a more advanced role and Kieran Richardson provides a further option. The competition to start in goal is fierce, with summer arrival Keiren Westwood battling with Simon Mignolet for the honour at the beginning of the campaign and £9million Craig Gordon determined to prove himself when he returns to full fitness. A tough opening to the campaign with a trip to Liverpool - which features an immediate reunion with Jordan Henderson - followed by a home date with deadly derby rivals Newcastle does more than enough to whet the appetite. But it is over the full course of the 38-game campaign that it will be determined if Bruce can achieve tangible success to justify the faith placed in him by Short and Quinn, or whether another season of promise will fade into further insignificance.

Star man

Asamoah Gyan will be the focal point for Sunderland's attack and is expected to be their main source of goals after netting 11 times last term in his first season in the Premier League. With enhanced service following the arrival of Seb Larsson this summer, the Ghana international will be expected to improve on that tally.

Best signing

The signing of former Birmingham and Aston Villa man Craig Gardner will add greater drive, purpose and goals to the Sunderland midfield. Gardner was one of the few shining lights for Blues last season as the joy of their Carling Cup success was swiftly tempered by the misery of final day relegation.

One to watch

Young South Korea international Ji Dong-Won has already made an impact in his homeland and on the international scene, which persuaded Bruce to move for his signature this summer. The forward will need time to settle into his new environment but can expect to be given opportunities to impress over the course of the campaign.

Young Gun

Landing Connor Wickham from Ipswich amid rival interest from Liverpool was a real statement of intent from Sunderland, particularly given the fee involved for such an emerging talent. The England Under-21 international is tipped for regular action at the Stadium of Light, a luxury he may not have enjoyed at Anfield.

Point to prove

After 15 years at Old Trafford, Wes Brown decided the time had come on to move on to pastures new to link up with former Red Devils stalwart Bruce. After becoming more of a bit-part player under Sir Alex Ferguson, the 31-year-old will be keen to demonstrate he has the ability and fitness to be a first-team regular once again.

Manager

Bruce has again been strongly backed by owner Ellis Short and chairman Niall Quinn in the summer transfer market and now needs to deliver on that investment. The Black Cats must avoid the lengthy winless runs which have blighted their last two campaigns if they are to challenge in the top half of the table.