Gustavo Poyet has vowed to consign Paolo Di Canio's tumultuous Wearside reign to history after agreeing a two-year deal to become Sunderland's sixth boss in less than five years.

The 45-year-old former Albion manager was introduced to the media at the club's training ground today and wasted no time in putting his own imprint on the club he hopes to haul from the foot of the Barclays Premier League.

Di Canio 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 will inherit a club stranded at the bottom of the table with just one point from their first seven games and already six points adrift of safety.

But Poyet is bullish about his new side's survival chances and said 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 fears 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 Albion.

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.''