NEW manager Mick McCarthy is ready to rekindle 'Premier Passions' on Wearside in a desperate attempt to rescue Sunderland from relegation.

McCarthy is mystified by the Black Cats' miserable form at the Stadium of Light - they have lost nine Premiership games there and won only three.

"The players and the fans have all been coming to games with a slightly negative feeling, wondering what's going to happen,'' observed McCarthy.

"You need the fans to spark the players off sometimes. They can lift the team. People are paying good dosh to watch us play and I wonder about the team not being able to play here.

"We have a new pitch, so perhaps we can have a fresh start on that. We couldn't play on the old one, so it was a good idea to rip it up.''

Barnsley-born McCarthy declared: "I understand the people here - I'm like one of their own. Barnsley and Sunderland are similar, both old mining areas, and people appreciate hard work, the price of a pint and the value of the pound in their pocket.

"They want value for their money, and hopefully we can give them that. This is a proper football club with a great set of supporters; everybody connected with the club has a passion to see it do well.

"I've played at some passionate places. Barnsley was the start, even though there were only about 2,000 there, then Manchester City and Celtic - and, of course, Millwall are known to be quite passionate as well!

"I enjoy all that and I like people who are passionate about football. Old-fashioned passion works wonders. We all remember what Roker Park was like. As a player, I recall getting slapped there - results-wise, not physically, because I did a bit of slapping when I played!

"Sunderland lost at Fulham the other week, but played with passion, so if we can generate that a bit more, it will help.''

Former Sunderland skipper Kevin Ball was brought in by sacked boss Howard Wilkinson to augment the coaching staff and raise morale among the players.

Ball has been overseeing training in tandem with fellow Wilkinson appointee Jocky Scott since the latest managerial upheaval.

McCarthy yesterday stopped short of guaranteeing Ball a permanent role, but said: "I can choose my staff on the football side of things.

"I've always been impressed with Kevin. I love his passion and the way he played the game, and I'm sure he will bring that to a coaching role.

"I don't know him that well, but I don't see any problems with him at all. He's a good guy.''

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