New Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce has claimed that it is vital for the Black Cats to make the Stadium of Light a fortress this season.

The 60-year-old officially took charge of the Premier League side last week and joins with the club currently 19th in the league table having collected just three points from eight games this season.

Ahead of this weekend's trip to West Bromwich Albion, Allardyce has said that the team's fight against relegation will largely defend on how many points they claim on home turf.

"First and foremost in the area that Sunderland is the fans turned out in abundance. We're averaging over forty thousand every home game and let's be honest we haven't had a lot to cheer at the minute," Allardyce told reporters.

"I've got to try and give them some more entertainment at home; particularly winning more matches at home which is very important for us. We also need to entertain the public and I think the facilities now at this club are in a fantastic position.

"The season is under way, you've not got a lot of time to waste because every game comes around very quickly, and we've got to try and prepare for the first game which is West Brom. We have to try and install a little bit more confidence in the team and hopefully they can go one better than they did against West Ham."

Allardyce replaced Dick Advocaat at Sunderland after the Dutchman resigned from his post earlier this month.