'A Sunderland team regardless of who's in charge' - Mike Dodds sends message to incoming coach

The second half performance against West Brom should serve as the blueprint for the new Sunderland head coach, according to Mike Dodds.

Mike Dodds says the second half performance against West Brom should provide the blueprint for a incoming coach, saying: ‘that was a Sunderland team.’

Dodds took charge of the team following the sacking of Tony Mowbray on Monday, leading them to a 2-1 win over the in-form Baggies.

That win was built on a fine second-half showing that saw goals from Dan Ballard and Dan Neil fire the Black Cats back into the play-off positions.

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Dodds will likely be in charge against Leeds as well before a new head coach is appointed – and he had a message for whoever that will be.

"I'm a perfectionist and I want to have complete control of the game, I didn't like elements of the first half where they had too much control of the ball, albeit without hurting us too much.

"I thought we controlled large spells of the second half. I didn't like the goal we conceded and we'll talk about that in the morning, but all in all I'm really proud. It's a huge win against a really good team in good form.

"I think they played through us and our shape a little too much. The second half I think is a Sunderland team regardless of who is in charge: Youthful, on the front foot, turning the game into 1-v-1 both attacking and defending, being brave in and out of possession.

“The second half, for me, is a Sunderland team."

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