MICHAEL BEALE can understand the lukewarm reaction to his appointment as Sunderland head coach – and insists he will be working as hard as he can to “earn the respect” of the fans.

Beale was confirmed as the Black Cats’ 12th permanent boss in the last decade earlier this week, replacing Tony Mowbray, who was dismissed at the start of the month.

Mowbray was a popular figure amongst the Sunderland support, and the reaction to Beale’s appointment as his successor has hardly been rapturous.

Given that he was sacked as Rangers boss in October, having previously only managed at QPR, the former Chelsea and Liverpool youth coach understands the scepticism that accompanied his arrival at the Stadium of Light. However, he also feels that some of the kneejerk judgements have been somewhat unfair.

“The fans will judge me on what they see moving forward,” said Beale, who conducted his introductory press conference at the Academy of Light yesterday. “I've no problem with the reaction because it tells me that they love their club and that it's important to them, and they're protecting it.

“They're asking the right questions and protecting it from a guy who is from a different part of the country, that's just come out of a high-profile job where he's deemed not to have been successful.

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“I would say that the win percentage and the changes I went through need a little bit more of a look at, if I'm honest, but the proof will be in what I do next.

"It's a huge opportunity and I think I'm the right person for it, but I've got to earn the right to be part of the Sunderland family.

“I don't see all of the noise because I'm focused on the job, but I'd have to live on the moon not to be aware of it. I've had a bit of stick from the staff about it! It's because they love the club, and that's what makes the club what it is. I'll have to win them over - and that's what I'm here to do.”

The Northern Echo: New Sunderland head coach Michael BealeNew Sunderland head coach Michael Beale

Ultimately, whatever he has done in his career prior to arriving on Wearside, Beale accepts he will be judged on results, with Mowbray having led Sunderland into the play-offs last season.

However, he also hopes his conduct as head coach will earn him respect, along with the style of football that he encourages his players to adopt during his time at the Stadium of Light.

“I’ve had nearly 300 games as assistant boss in Brazil, at Rangers and in the Premier League as well,” said Beale, who worked alongside Steven Gerrard at both Ibrox and Villa Park prior to striking out on his own. “I've done European games, I've seen pretty much everything that there is to see.

“I stepped out on my own and at QPR, we started really well and everyone was in a real positive way. Each job is different, you learn and you grow.

“All I would say to the fans is the most important people are the players who go on the pitch, and if they go on and perform and are in a good way, then I'll earn credit with the fans. But I have to earn it.

“The moment we enter the stadium on Saturday and the game kicks off, they will support their team. So, I am already indebted to them for that. I've got to earn their respect - and I aim to do that over time.”