By John Lyons

BELIEF: Kristjaan Speakman MICHAEL Beale says it is ‘hugely exciting’ to have been given the chance to lead Sunderland. The former QPR and Rangers boss was appointed by the Black Cats on Monday on a contract until the summer of 2026. The north-east outfit reached the Championship play-offs under Tony Mowbray last term but the experienced boss was sacked three weeks ago after a dip in form. Sunderland headed into the weekend in seventh place, three points off the play-offs places. Beale said: “I have seen already within my first two days that thi...