JERMAIN DEFOE is convinced Sunderland are in for a much-improved season after Dick Advocaat decided to extend his stay on Wearside.

The last time Advocaat was with the Black Cats squad he said his goodbyes after deciding he would retire and return to Holland to spend time with his family.

But the 67-year-old had a quick rethink and will now be in charge at the Stadium of Light for a further campaign, looking to build on the improvements under him during his initial nine games in charge.

Advocaat turned things around after succeeding Gus Poyet and successfully kept Sunderland in the Premier League. Club owner Ellis Short was desperate to keep him in the hope of avoiding a repeat of the recent relegation struggles.

Defoe thinks the experienced former Holland coach’s decision to stay on is huge for Sunderland having suggested towards the back end of last season that it would be a ‘massive coup’ to keep him.

“Dick came out and said he decided to go for family reasons, but after that he has sat down and thought about it. He believes he can still do a good job,” said Defoe.

“I was delighted because he is a good man and a good manager. I think we can do well this year because training was always sharp with Dick.

“He got off to a good start. He came into the changing rooms and from day one he wanted us to be sharper in training and then sharp in games. He didn’t care who you were, everyone was regarded the same.

“When a manager comes in and keeps you on your toes and you respect his experience you get better performances. Training went up a notch. Everyone was focused last season and I think if we start this season strongly we can do well.”

Advocaat has not made the progress on the transfer front he would have liked by now. Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson is undecided on whether to accept a season-long loan switch, while Sebastien Coates should return in a £4m permanent switch from Liverpool.

But other than that Sunderland have struggled to get deals done. Stewart Downing looks more likely to return to Middlesbrough after a failure to strike a quick deal with Upton Park, so QPR wingers Leroy Fer and Matt Phillips are among the alternatives being considered.