SUNDERLAND'S new management duo face a tough task to win over unimpressed supporters following yesterday's surprise appointments.

Black Cats' fans appeared distinctly underwhelmed when word filtered out that the unlikely pairing of Howard Wilkinson and Steve Cotterill will succeed Peter Reid.

Around 100 expectant supporters flocked to the Stadium of Light when word circulated of the 11am press conference, called by the club to reveal who would take over the Sunderland hot-seat.

Top of the wish list was Celtic's Martin O'Neill, a boyhood Sunderland fan in Ulster, but reality suggested it would be one of a handful of experienced contenders temporarily out of work.

By Wednesday night Howard Wilkinson's name began to figure in contention and Steve Cotterill's shock resignation overnight, only 12-games into his reign at Stoke, gave clues to the likely line of succession at the Stadium of Light.

As the new duo was unveiled to the press, fans waiting outside the impressive stadium reception received the news via hand-held radios and mobile phone messages.

But it was some of the 50-plus journalists emerging from the conference who put some some meat on the bones, relaying news that the new duo will have no cash to improve the squad.

The reaction was initially universally gloomy, with even some cries of "Bring back Peter Reid."

Chairman Bob Murray departed to barracking from some elements of the crowd, while others were in deep discussions as to the merits of the new pairing.

"It hardly sets the pulse racing," said Sean Vasey, a member of the Simply Red and White sextet whose Cheer up Peter Reid ditty reached number 42 in the charts two years into the previous managerial reign.

"I think everyone is a bit underwhelmed, but now they're here they've got to be given a chance.

"I just think there was an expectation it would be something of a bigger name."

Martyn McFadden, editor of award-winning fanzine A Love Supreme, tried to take a positive view.

"If you look at Howard Wilkinson's CV, he was the man who discovered Eric Cantona and went a step further than Reidy did with us by taking Leeds up and winning the league. Hopefully Wilkinson's experience and Cotterill's enthusiasm to make his mark in the game will prove a good combination."

Birmingham-born Sunderland converts Sasha Smith and Emma Thatcher were less than overjoyed at the appointments.

"I'm not really optimistic, not with Wilkinson's track record. We should have shown some ambition, and brought in someone who would have made an immediate impact," said Sasha.

Emma agreed, adding: "We needed someone to take it on a step further than Peter Reid. Cotterill is not tried and tested at this level."

Season ticket holder Stephen Potts was vocal in his criticism of chairman Murray.

"We should have gone all out to get Martin O'Neill. He's a Sunderland supporter and he would have definitely worked here, but they'll not pay the money."

Fellow sceptics Brian Clare and Bob James were also critical of the directors and unimpressed with the appointments.

But veteran fan John Talbot was more conciliatory.

"It's got to be better than what we've had for the last 18 months. We've needed someone with qualifications like this to improve things on the training ground."

Bob Shanks, who refused to renew his season ticket with Reid still at the helm, pledged to make his return for the West Ham game.

"If I like what I see I'll apply to get a season ticket again. I just hope the football is going to better than what we've had."

While the fans ruminated the news, one unwilling observer appeared to be Ged the spaniel, who seemed oblivious of the dawning of a new era at the Stadium of Light.

Read more about Sunderland here.