Former Sunderland manager Terry Butcher has said that Sam Allardyce will bring "discipline" to the club following his appointment at the Stadium of Light.

The 60-year-old ended his five months out of the game by penning a two-year contract with the Black Cats to replace Dick Advocaat, who resigned from his post last week.

Butcher believes that Sunderland are in safe hands with Allardyce at the helm, but does have concerns over whether he will be handed full control of all football matters at the club.

He told Sky Sports News: "He is someone that can get a club really organised and can get discipline into the side. Big Sam is a guy that really roles his sleeves up and tells players what they need to do.

"Every player will know their role in the team. Will it be a more direct approach? He changed his approach at West Ham last year and brought exiting players into the club and they were very safe from relegation.

"The only sticking point was having control of players and transfers coming in. By the term manager, rather than head coach, that would seem the case and that is important for most managers but for him to play the type of football he wants."

Sunderland are currently 19th in the Premier League, with three points from their opening eight matches.