New broom sweeping clean ...

Sunderland’s shake up has begun and, as we expected, heads have rolled.

It was always going to be this way.

The Black Cats fall from grace had to come at a price, and it was clear from the outset that a third tier existence would have to be funded on third tier finances.

The feelgood factor of the new regime is there, but it is with regret that some good, hard-working staff are being forced out of the door.

They are paying the price for the players’ failure and previous regime’s lack of success.

These individuals leave with the thanks of the club, and the fans, but it not a pleasant situation for them to be in.

It’s easy to forget that failure on the pitch can result in ordinary folk with families to support being put on the dole.

We trust the new team at the helm of Sunderland are equally as ruthless with the players who have put them in this situation.

The word from the top suggests this will be so.

While the loss of jobs in this shake up is regrettable, the sentiments of the hierarchy in their statement to the fans will be welcomed.

Executive director Charlie Methven didn’t mince his words.

He said: “Fundamentally, every pound that supporters put into their football club has to influence positively its future success.

“Fans need to see their hard-earned money being used wisely and in the right areas and to do that we have a responsibility to be lean, productive and focussed.”

If this applies to all staff, then it also applies to the players.

Some have been paid handsomely for failure.

Hopefully those days have now gone...