Sunderland caretaker boss Kevin Ball is ready to give Phil Bardsley a fresh chance.
Bardsley was bombed out by manager Paolo Di Canio for his Casino antics at the end of last season, though was recalled before the Italian's sacking.
"Phil accepts that what he did at the time (the casino visit) wasn't in his or the club's best interests," said Ball. "But, for whatever reason, he did it and I spoke to him about it at the time so I know all about it.
"What subsequently happened (the social media incident) has also been dealt with.
"The biggest thing for me now is that we need Phil Bardsley fit and playing.
"Is it a clean slate?
"Well, really I think any manager coming - be it me or someone else - would have to take that approach, because he (Bardsley) hasn't done anything wrong under them.
"If he did it again, then obviously the only one who would pay would be Phil Bardsley because he has already been told once."
