The Black Cats will be the north east's only representatives in the Barclays Premier League next season after Newcastle United and Middlesbrough both slipped into the Championship at the end of the recent campaign.

However, the fact they managed to survive by only two points has not been forgotten on Wearside and, with new manager Steve Bruce at the helm, Quinn is looking for a stability that has evaded the club for much of their recent history.

He said: "It would be great if Sunderland fans could get used to Premier League fixtures coming out and them always seeing their team among the leading clubs again.

"I have learned quickly that, when you mention stability in football, it can come back and bite you on the backside but, hopefully, stability is what we can have from now on.

"We have built almost three different teams in three years and it has been a very busy time on and off the pitch. You can't continue on that basis and continuity and stability are both things you strive for."