Sunderland chairman Ellis Short has taken to his programme notes to say that the club are looking for a manager who has a long-term vision to take the club forward.
The Black Cats are looking for a new boss following the sacking of Paolo Di Canio, with Kevin Ball currently in charge as interim manager.
"Here at the club, like every supporter, we would like to see long-term success on the pitch and stability at the club," wrote Short in his notes with Sunderland readying themselves to face Manchester United on Saturday evening.
"Unfortunately sometimes the quest for stability can be interrupted by the absolute necessity of staying in the league. This is because the long-term aim becomes irrelevant if we aren't at the top level.
"We now have a very important decision to make. Our only consideration in making that decision is what is best for the club. In doing so, we feel the weight of the entire city and beyond, along with the history of this massive football club."
The club recently sacked former boss Di Canio after a reported player revolt at the Stadium of Light.
