Sunderland captain John O'Shea believes that the experience of Dick Advocaat was crucial in guiding the Black Cats to safety last season.
The Wearsiders took 12 points from their nine games under the Dutchman's charge to beat the drop after being in a perilous situation for the third successive season.
O'Shea believes that Advocaat made all the right decisions at key moments to ensure that his side were not condemned to the Championship.
"I think the obvious thing to say is his experience," O'Shea told the club's official website.
"He also knew what to say and what to do at the right time; his team talks before the game, his controlling of emotions and the way the communicated to the individual and the collective was amazing.
"He got the best response from the players and, like I said, that comes with experience."
Advocaat revealed his intention to leave Sunderland at the end of the campaign, but reversed his decision and will now manage the Black Cats for the 2015-16 season.
Simon Sinclair
