But the new Black Cats boss also knows that if they are to bounce straight back into the Premiership he cannot afford to lose too many of his best players.

McCarthy faces a delicate balancing act next season if he is faced with the task of trying to secure promotion from Division One – and he points to Leicester as a good example.

“Leicester are where they are because they have kept the core of the team,” said McCarthy.

“It is very difficult if you shed all your talent and your stars and have to rely on kids, but I’ll cross that bridge if and when I come to it.

“I have not gone round to individuals and told them they are playing for their future, but the team quite clearly needs changing. We are bottom of the league; we are the worst team in the league, so it needs changing – that’s as plain as the nose on my face.

“We want fresh players, people who want a fresh challenge, players who if it happens want to get this football club back in the Premier League where no doubt the club and everything about it deserves to be.

“People will come to this club and see the set-up and the training ground and be inspired by it – there is no question in my mind that will happen.

“I have had some preliminary talks but I am not yet completely au fait with the club’s financial position. But things will have to change, and they need to change.”

McCarthy, whose team slipped further through the trapdoor with yesterday’s 2-0 defeat at West Ham, is a no-nonsense Yorkshireman who will not tolerate players less than totally committed to the cause.

“There may well be players who, if the worst happens and we get relegated, want to leave. They might think their future is away from this football club and they are better than the First Division.

“But if they don’t move on then they are going to have to get themselves ready for a tough pre-season and be prepared to play in the First Division.

“I believe I have had a positive response in training and around the club so far, although we have had two bad results, and I am enjoying every aspect of it.”

McCarthy has challenged his players to salvage some pride in their remaining seven games. If they are to be relegated he wants them to avoid the lowest ever points total of 24, which Watford went down with three years ago.

He added: “I have told the players about that and I want them to play with pride for themselves, for the club and for the fans.”

One player who might be joining Sunderland is Jeff Whitley. He is training with the club and will play for the reserves tomorrow night.