Cats will survive if they are smart

SUNDERLAND have been backed to stay in the Premier League next term IF they are clever in their summer transfer dealings.

- By STUART JAMIESON

Tony Pulis has hailed the achievement of Regis Le Bris and his side in clinching promotion and has a positive message for the top-flight new boys.

Pulis kept unfashionable Stoke City in the Premier League, and while he admits it will be hard for the Black Cats to avoid the fate which has befallen Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton ilast season, he has pointed to plenty sides who have beaten the odds in recent years.

Sunderland could be in for a busy summer, with several of their top stars the subject of transfer speculation, while Le Bris hopes to add to his squad before the season gets under way in mid-August.

Pulis was delighted to see the Black Cats back in the big time, and has explained how he thinks they can survive, along with Leeds United and Burnley.

“What a wonderful job Regis Le Bris did this year to get Sunderland promoted. It'll be interesting to see how they adapt,” Pulis told Boyle-Sports.