BLACK CATS ON THE PROWL

BARNABY ROSTANT TAKES A LOOK AT SUNDERLAND'S REVIVAL AND THE IMPACT OF FRENCH BOSS REGIS LE BRIS

- BARNABY ROSTANT

CHAMPIONSHIP frontrunners Sunderland are a world away from the club that suffered back-to-back relegations and endured a four-year spell in England's third tier.

Those were dark days for the Black Cats, but now they are hitting back with a talented playing roster. Indeed, they have the youngest average starting XI age in the Championship this season.

Hungry full of desire committed and diligent spring to mind when describing Sunderland's squad now and the sun seems to be finally shining again over the Stadium of Light.

Following Alex Neil's surprise defection to Stoke, the experienced Tony Mowbray took over in the August of the club's Championship return during the 2022-23 season. He guided the club to the play-offs in their first season back in the second tier after four years away.

Manchester United helped catapult the club into the top six. Despite ultimately not achieving promotion, Mowbray was providing a pathway for other youngsters as Sunderland opted for the youthful approach with Dennis Cirkin, Trai Hume, Aji Alese and Dan Neil all featuring regularly.

Mowbray was sacked last December, much to the annoyance of many Mackems fans, and the appointment of Michael Beale that followed flattered The loan signing of Amad Diallo from to deceive. The former Rangers boss lasted just two months in the northeast before Mike Dodds took over in a caretaker capacity.

A 16th-placed finish last season and an underlying frustration at the sacking of Mowbray midway through the campaign meant the Sunderland hierarchy had to get the next appointment right.