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Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign at West Bromwich Albion this weekend 330 days after Paolo Di Canio’s chaotic reign imploded at The Hawthorns.

Since Di Canio’s departure, a lot of water has passed beneath the Wearmouth Bridge.

The arrival of Gus Poyet, a Wembley cup final, a miraculous escape from relegation - not to mention a derby double - and victories over Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Everton.

However, it is time for Sunderland to draw a line under the past and look to the future.

This season must mark the end of the perennial relegation battles.

Last season’s close shave surely saw the Black Cats use up the last of their nine lives.

Poyet proved last season he is one of the brightest young managers in the Premier League.

After taking over in October and having to fight fires at every turn as he led Sunderland to safety last term, the Uruguayan starts the new campaign with a clean slate.

True, his squad remains a work in progress.

A dozen players have left since the end of last season and only six have arrived, which means there is still plenty to do before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Two wingers, a midfielder and a full-back capable of covering on both sides are still on his shopping list.

Yet even with the job only half-complete, Poyet is much happier today than with the situation he inherited.

After last summer’s failed ‘supermarket sweep’, in which ex-director of football Roberto De Fanti and Di Canio oversaw the arrivals of 14 players of variable ability, Poyet and new sporting director Lee Congerton have emphasised quality over quantity.

The six new faces to have joined on their watch are all significant upgrades on the men who occupied the same roles 12 months ago.

Costel Pantilimon is a genuine challenger to Vito Mannone as first-choice goalkeeper; Billy Jones has more to offer at right-back than Phil Bardsley.

England international Jack Rodwell is an improvement on Jack Colback, Jordi Gomez brings more creativity than Craig Gardner.

Left-back Patrick van Aanholt is streets ahead of Andrea Dossena and the return of the versatile Santiago Vergini on loan offers more options than Carlos Cuellar.

Of those signings, it is the £10m arrival of Rodwell from champions Manchester City which has excited the fans.

The fact he chose to move to the Stadium of Light when half the clubs in the Premier League has shown an interest in him indicates he believes Sunderland have a bright future under Poyet.

He is expected to add the midfield craft to the graft the likes of Lee Cattermole and Liam Bridcutt can be relied upon to provide.

The one question mark over Rodwell is his fitness.

Persistent hamstring injuries held him back during his two seasons at the Etihad and Sunderland will be hoping those problems do not follow him to Wearside.

Yet, assuming he stays fit, Rodwell will be a key player for the Black Cats.

Poyet is also desperate to bring a key player from last season back to the Stadium of Light.

Liverpool’s Fabio Borini was a hit during his loan spell last season, his industrious performances, 10 goals and terrific attitude turning him into a terrace favourite.

Sunderland have agreed a £14m fee with the Reds for the Italian and if he follows Rodwell to become Sunderland’s second marquee signing, another large piece in the Poyet jigsaw will have fallen into place.

It is not all about the new kids on the block, though.

Assuming he agrees a new contract and remains on Wearside, much will also be expected of striker Connor Wickham after his stellar work in last season’s run-in did so much to propel the Black Cats to safety.

Steven Fletcher’s return to full fitness will also increase the Black Cats’ firepower, but Jozy Altidore must up his game after a hugely disappointing first season at the club.

No-one realistically expects a top six or a top-eight finish.

Even a top-ten finish would be a giant leap and probably a stretch too far, but staying clear of the relegation battle and at least challenging for a top-half finish should be achievable.

After last season, that would be a major step in the right direction.