Much has been made in recent months over Sunderland's lack of an "identity", or more specifically, the lack of an effective one. Every manager since the departure of Steve Bruce has attempted to implement their own style of play upon the team, and each has proven effective only in the short term. Martin O'Neill was, surprisingly, the most negative of all, shutting up shop and praying for draws at home against fellow relegation-battling teams, while Paolo Di Canio prized relentless pressing over all - frequently leaving the side hopelessly exposed at the back. Poyet's obsession with passing out from the back led to far many basic errors from a team lacking the quality to play in such a way, and his unwillingness to change ultimately led to his downfall. Now Advocaat simply has to establish a successful style of play, or face the same fate as every one of his recent predecessors. The problem remains finding such an identity in a team of such mixed abilities. He remains the most likely manager to do so, based on his years of experience - but that doesn't necessarily mean he will.
