Lee Johnson outlines vision for 'brave new Sunderland' and steps straight into dugout for Wigan Athletic clash

Johnson has signed an initial two-and-a-half year contract after saying he was ‘blown away’ by the vision for the club moving forward.

The former Bristol City and Barnsley boss will work closely with Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman, whose appointment was confirmed on Friday.

Johnson says his vision is for a ‘brave new Sunderland’.

"Speaking to Kristjaan, Jim and the owners, I was absolutely blown away by their plans and dreams for the club,” he said.

"I can see so much potential and I see it everywhere. I see it in the league and how we can step up, I see it in the facilities, I see it in the community and the passion the people of Sunderland have, and I also see it in the academy.

"The feeling I got from the ownership group [made this the right club for me]. There was other interest, but that doesn’t matter now and I want to be successful and to see a brave new Sunderland.

"I want to be bold in my own decisions, I want to be bold for the team in the way that we play and the philosophy that we play to, but I also want the club to make bold decisions and that is what I’ve truly bought into. We have to connect the team and the fan base because that can be really powerful at a club like this.”

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