Tuesday 26 July 2016 11:28, UK
David Moyes must sign another striker to help Jermain Defoe if Sunderland are to remain in the Premier League, according to Niall Quinn.
Sunderland appointed Moyes on a four-year deal on Saturday after Sam Allardyce was confirmed as the new England manager.
Former Sunderland striker Quinn, who was chairman of the club between 2006 and 2011, believes Moyes' first task at the Stadium of Light is to find support for Defoe.
"Relying on Jermain Defoe to keep Sunderland in the league or indeed push up the league, I don't think they can go through the year with just that," Quinn told Sky Sports News HQ.
"I think it would be encouraging if Sunderland were to sign another proven goalscorer."
Defoe, 33, scored 15 league goals in 32 games last season as Sunderland finished two points above relegation in 17th.
Quinn thinks there are a number of areas in the Black Cats' side that Moyes will need to strengthen, but suggested the club's best spells in recent years all came with proven goalscorers.
He added: "There are one or two players, the likes of John O'Shea, who is a great captain, a great leader, will he be available for so many games? Is there room for a defender there?
"Another midfielder: (Sebastian) Larsson, (Lee) Cattermole have been asked to do an awful lot over the years. At the same time it boils down, and I can remember this from when I first came into the job as chairman there, if you get someone to score goals at that club you're halfway there.
"Steve Bruce had all the best times when I was there. We had a goalscorer, (Darren) Bent, who was scoring goals for fun.
"Defoe did it last year in difficult circumstances so I suppose top of his priorities will be to assist Jermain and find a top goalscorer."
Moyes oversaw a victory in his first game in charge on Monday as Sunderland beat Stade Nyonnais 2-0 in a friendly.
The former Everton boss led the Goodison Park side to eight top-half Premier League finishes in his 10 full seasons at the club, and Quinn says his appointment should help provide consistency.
"This has been a great signing," Quinn said. "We know Sam had to go, it was a difficult time for the club, everybody was in a bit of despair but now it's good.
"He can really take it on from where Sam had it. He signed a four-year deal which is really good news, that smacks of stability, which we haven't been able to say about Sunderland for quite some time.
"I believe what he possesses and his desire to get back as being renowned as a top manager - I think the mix is really good."
Sunderland begin their Premier League campaign with a trip to Manchester City on August 13.
