Gus Poyet said it is time for Sunderland to forget the tumultuous era of Paolo di Canio as he aims to lead the Mackems to Premier League safety.

Poyet was unveiled as di Canio’s successor on Tuesday and is charged with improving the fortunes of a side who currently sit rock bottom of the table with just one point fron seven matches.

The 45-year-old Uruguayan, who has penned a two-year deal with the club, was introduced to the media at the club’s training ground on Tuesday.

Di Canio, whose reign was awash with controversy owing to his fascist political views and fractious relationship with his players, lasted for just 13 games in charge of the Black Cats and head coach Poyet said: “The time of Paolo has come to an end and it is time to move forward. We are all different and I don’t think it is right to compare people.

“I know a lot about the players at Sunderland and I know for them it is going to be even more difficult now with another new manager.

“I have to make sure they are comfortable here and we will make sure they are ready and without excuses.”

Poyet inherits a club stranded at the bottom of the table, already six points adrift of safety.

But he is confident about his new side’s survival chances and he said that Kevin Ball, the popular former player who inspired improved performances against Liverpool and Manchester United as interim boss, would have a major part to play.

There were suggestions that Ball, who was one of the players’ favourites for the job, could be cast aside with Poyet bringing his own back-room team of Mauricio Taricco and Charlie Oatway with him from his time at Brighton.

But Poyet said: “He (Kevin) doesn’t know yet how important he is going to be for me. It is clear you need someone with the qualities Kevin has so I am going to count on him a lot.”

Poyet also vowed to forge a strong relationship with director of football Roberto di Fanti, who persuaded owner Ellis Short to choose the Uruguayan.

Poyet added: “I am very straightforward and I am expecting the same from Roberto. At the end of the day we are both working for the club. The closer we get and the more understanding we have, the better for the club, so we are starting today.”