Inside Lee Johnson's first press conference - and what it told us about Sunderland's new Head Coach

There are probably some more colourful words you could use to describe Sunderland’s performance against Wigan Athletic – and it was undoubtedly a thump back down to earth after the exciting confirmation of the restructure of the club’s footballing department, that brought both Kristjaan Speakman and Lee Johnson to Wearside.

Yet while the Black Cats failed to impress on the field, their new Head Coach certainly impressed off it.

It could have been easy for Johnson to shy away after the defeat; to postpone an introductory press conference until next week, allowing the dust to settle.

But Sunderland’s new manager spoke. And he spoke passionately, candidly and with the enthusiasm that will be required to lift the club from their lowest ebb.

Johnson was generous with his time and spent close to half an hour with the local and national press.

He spoke of lifting a side short on confidence, making improvements in the final third and offering a clean slate to those who may have fallen out of favour.

And while giving Sunderland fans plenty of hope for the future with his talk of implementing a clear vision, Johnson didn’t over-promise. Fans on Wearside have heard enough brash statements over the last two years, but there were none of those from the Head Coach.

Now, it’s time for actions to speak louder than words - and Johnson has already begun to take action.

His decision to promote Aiden McGeady from the bench to the starting line-up made good on his promise to hand players a clean slate, and fans will watch with interest to see if he can deliver further on-pitch improvements.

There was a confidence in his voice, and he firmly believes that he can be the man to turn things around.

His passion and drive to do well at the club was clear to see. Like those who have come before him, he wants to be the man to finally get it right at Sunderland.

That will take a great deal of hard work but, from the early signs, Johnson is more than up for the battle.

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