Sam Allardyce has made it vehemently clear that a club as big as Sunderland cannot continue to be happy with simply staving off relegation.

The Black Cats pulled off a great escape by beating Everton 3-0 on Wednesday night to preserve their Premier League status for at least another 12 months.

The triumph at the Stadium of Light, which sent local rivals Newcastle United down to the Championship, was warmly welcomed by manager Allardyce but 'Big Sam' believes the next transfer window will be even more important for the future of the club than remaining in the top flight this time around.

"I see we have just secured the financial side of being in the PL," Allardyce said.

"What that gives us in terms of spending power is the same for everybody.

"How wise we spend it and how we find the players we need like we did in January.

"Helped us come and trouble and the next set of recruitment will be crucial.

"This football club can't be cheering and doing a lap of honour by avoiding relegation anymore."

Patrick van Aanholt opened the scoring with a fine free-kick on 38 minutes before a Lamine Kone double either side of the break sealed Sunderland's survival at the expense of the Magpies as well as Norwich City.