New boss Michael Beale is confident Sunderland’s “ferocious” support will play a key part in his first game in charge against Coventry City.

The Sky Blues will head to the Stadium of Light for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off. Mark Robins’ side drew 1-1 with Leeds United last time out, with Bobby Thomas rescuing a valuable point at Elland Road.

They now face another difficult test with Beale set to oversee his first game in charge of Sunderland. Having lost three out of their last six games, clubs are said to enjoy a ‘new manager bounce’ when they appoint a new boss.

A fresh face comes in and the slate is wiped clean with players giving their all to impress the new man. Speaking ahead of the game, Beale told Sunderland’s club media: “I think the key thing they [supporters] want a team that wins on the pitch and is exciting to watch. I think we’re going to have to fight off their energy on the pitch but it comes from us first.

“So it’s important that me and the staff, provide the energy and the excitement to them. I know they’ll back us home and away, we’ve got the most ferocious support in the Championship, both at home and away and that’s going to be so important to us moving forward.

“It’s a young squad, there’s an element of the Championship being unpredictable and certainly us having to have some patience with the team at times but together we’re strong so it’s important that the fans and the players together are united moving forward.”

After being appointed by the Black Cats following a brief stint at Rangers, Beale added: “It’s a really proud moment for me and my family to be joining the club. It’s a huge club. There’s a big excitement to get started with the staff and the players as well.

“I’m really excited about the potential of the squad, the current level they’ve been performing in the last few games but before that, under Tony [Mowbray] as well. Getting into the play-offs last year and the start to the season we’ve had.”