Chris Coleman simply can’t wait to take charge of his first game at the Stadium of Light.
The Sunderland manager will take charge of his first home game tomorrow when Reading travel to Wearside and both sides strive for back-to-back wins in the Sky Bet Championship.
Last weekend Coleman’s passionate rallying of the red and white army captured the imagination, but the Welshman was firm in his stance that ‘that’s done now’ and was quick to turn his focus to Saturday’s SoL showdown.
And speaking ahead of the game, Coleman admitted he will do everything in his power to bring the good times back to Wearside.
“The fans have given me an incredible welcome and although I haven’t got any promises for anyone, I’m totally committed to Sunderland and I’m ecstatic to here,” said the Black Cats boss.
“Whatever I’ve got I’ll give to them and that’s it – I can’t give any more than that – but I’ll make sure they get everything out of me, and if they’re happy I’m here it’s not half as happy as I am.”
He continued: "There’s nothing to be afraid of or shy away from and I think there’s everything to look forward to.
“I know the task is huge but it’s an exciting one for me and I want to do well for Sunderland and everyone associated with the club, and all they deserve is everything I’ve got.
“I belong to them [the fans] now and we’re all in this together.”
Coleman also shunned excuses regarding the Black Cats’ failure to win at home in 20 attempts, while stating both he and the players won’t dwell on what they can’t change.
“There’s no excuses. It’s an unwanted record and it’s one that can only be changed by us, so there’s nothing we can do about the past and it’s pointless looking into it.
“You can hang onto it if you want but it won’t do you any good and it’s all about the future.”
He added: “It’s there and we can’t rip it up, but we can look forward and the quicker we do that, the unwanted burden and pressure will come off our shoulders.”