The spotlight will be on South Wales when the Premier League swings back into action on Saturday – all because of a Uruguayan!
Gus Poyet, a man we came across several times when he was manager of Brighton, will take charge of his first match since becoming Sunderland boss.
It’s an interesting and some might say bold appointment after Paolo Di Canio’s chaotic stint.
My old Sheffield Wednesday team mate saved Sunderland from relegation last season, but departed with them bottom of the table on just one point.
Gus, who was at Tottenham when I had my loan spell there in 2001, will know he needs to hit the ground running.
It’s unfair to compare him with Paolo, because they are different characters and seem to have different management styles.
And while Paolo had no experience of managing at the top level, Gus has been assistant to Juande Ramos at Spurs.
He also worked with Dennis Wise at Swindon and Leeds before doing a very decent job at Brighton.
Don’t forget he led the Seagulls out of League I, when they were playing in tough surroundings at the Withdean, and to last season’s Championship play-offs.
The circumstances of his departure from Brighton last summer remain under wraps, and because of that, there’s a question mark on his CV.
But Sunderland supremo Ellis Short must have been impressed to pick him ahead of a proven Premier operator like Tony Pulis.
Sunderland could also have kept faith with Kevin Ball, who has masterminded an improvement in performances as caretaker manager and who Gus has retained.
I read that the club has had five managers in as many years, and the key now must be stability.
Gus has to get to get to grips with his squad quickly and try to gel the many signings Paolo made during the close-season.
The last two games against Liverpool and Manchester United suggest he has something to work with.
And it’s also worth keeping in mind that Sunderland have had a fairly tough start to the season, so in theory will have some more winnable matches coming up.
