Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill has no doubts about the passion for the club of chairman Ellis Short.

The pair are now working on their summer transfer market plans.

"In my conversations with him (Short), I can definitely feel his passion for the club," the Sunderland boss said.

"He tries to say things sometimes in an understated fashion and that's fine, but I know that deep down he definitely cares about the football club. And, of course, for every reason under the sun he would want to do well.

"He bought the football club with the best intentions, he wants to try to move it forward, but it is sometimes easier said than done. I don't think any of us want to fall into the trap of financial disaster.

"So it is a balancing act. It always is with Premier League teams. I think the supporters have a fair idea of what we need to do to try to improve our team."