A whole new ball game Ross: Saints a different prospect

Outgoing gaffer Jack Ross insists St Mirren is a more attractive proposition now than when he took the job.

The new Sunderland boss was unveiled at the Stadium of Light yesterday as he begins the next chapter of his managerial career.

But he took time away from discussing his vision for the Wearside club to give his thoughts on the best way forward for the Buddies.

Ross reckons that Saints won’t be without their suitors as the hunt for his replacement looks set to continue into next week – after admitting he was probably “daft” to have taken the job 18 months ago as the Paisley side languished just above the relegation places.

And he revealed that he has also given his opinion on the best way forward when it comes to Saints identifying his replacement.

Ross said: “I have spoken to St Mirren over the course of the last week and as recently as Wednesday night about the direction they would like to go.

“My opinion and my thoughts on who should get the job won’t necessarily be what the club decide to do but I think they will be keen to try and continue the progression that they have made in recent times.

“What I will say is the job is more attractive than it was 20 months ago when I was probably the only person daft enough to take it.”

This morning marks Ross’ first day on the job at Sunderland, admitting he has some catching up to do in order to get the Black Cats in shape for life in League One next season.

Ross has been linked with returning to Scotland to bring players south of the border with him, including the likes of Saints midfielder Kyle Magennis. And he refused to rule out that being the case.

Ross said: “I think it is something that I would be keen to explore but I am also conscious that I wouldn’t want to make that the foundations of which I built a squad.

“It is something that you have to be careful of when coming from another country.”

And the 41- year- old revealed that his decision to swap Saints for Sunderland proved to be a difficult decision for him to make when it came to agreeing terms last week.

He added: “It was a big decision for me to make simply because I loved the job I was doing so much.

“I had a really enjoyable time at St Mirren. I was very happy in the job and looking forward to the challenges of managing in the Scottish Premiership.

“However, when this sort of opportunity presents itself is so appealing.”