BY JOHN GUBBA

Martin O’Neill is a manager with the X-Factor and it is good to see him returning to top flight football after his spell on the sidelines.

Even Port Vale supporter Robbie Williams is a fan of the mercurial Irishman.

Sunderland have long lived in the shadows of Newcastle United. But with O’Neill at the helm the Rokerites will be dreaming of catching up their Geordie rivals.

Ever since O’Neill worked wonders at Wycombe and then turned Leicester City into a trophy winning club, he has proved he is a top class manager.

And I can tell you from my own dealings with Martin during his early days in management he is a born winner who will comand the utmost respect from players, fans and critics at the Stadium of Light.