Sunderland chairman Ellis Short is convinced of only good times ahead under manager Martin O'Neill.

Short has backed the Northern Irishman to kick on with pre-season training set to start in the middle of next month.

"I feel right now that with Martin O'Neill, we have the right man to take the club to where it should be," Short told safc.com.

"When Martin came on board, we were in trouble and the only focus was on getting points to get away from the relegation zone.

"That was accomplished in a quick and dramatic way.

"Now we're starting a new season. We have the summer transfer window, and a pre-season to prepare in an organised way.

"Looking ahead at next season, of course I can't promise anything but I'm more optimistic than I've ever been."