Lee Cattermole has his say on Sunderland's progress and on 'perfect' Tony Mowbray

Former Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole has hailed Tony Mowbray and the current state of the club.

Cattermole, now 35, last played for Sunderland in 2019. He spent 10 years at the club and racked up 258 total appearances.

The bulk of his appearances for the club came in the Premier League. But Cattermole's last season on Wearside was Sunderland's first of four spent in League One.

But upon their return to the Championship last season, the Black Cats finished in 6th and almost secured back-to-back promotions but for defeat in the play-off semi-finals against eventual winners Luton Town.

Still, the club remains in a very positive place and their transfer business so far this summer has been very impressive indeed.

And speaking to Chronicle Live about the club's fortunes, Cattermole said:

"It's took its time, hasn't it? It's taken a few years. It's energetic and the fans are with them.

"People won't enjoy going there and that's how it should be. It should be a tough place to go and you've got 40,000 plus fans every week, you need to be putting on a decent show.

"It's not always easy to do but I think they're in good hands."

Mowbray replaced Alex Neil soon after the start of last season. He carried on Neil's good work and then some - Mowbray had to deal with a number of key injuries but he still managed to pull off the unexpected and secure a top six finish.

"I think Tony Mowbray is great for them. Tony is exactly what they need.

"With that amount of inexperience, to have someone with that much experience, knows the game so well, he's the perfect manager for them."

Time and money well spent...

It has taken time for Sunderland to get to where they are now. But they're arguably in a better place than they've ever been in, and the club continues to invest its time and money wisely.

Sunderland are building for the future and they'll go into next season as one of the favourites for a play-off finish. And with Mowbray at the helm, fans will have every confidence of seeing their side achieve another play-off place.

Time and money well spent...

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