Manager Simon Grayson has called on Sunderland to continue building on the feel good factor that came from improvements against Derby County.
Taking a one all draw in our Championship opener, we head towards the midweek EFL Cup clash with Bury and speaking to the Official Site on Monday, Grayson explained.
‘After the week we had it was good to get back to what really mattered and that was the football. To get a performance and result like we did it was very pleasing. The players could`ve been questioned when we went 1-0 down to Derby but they answered a lot of questions that have been thrown at them over the last few weeks.’
He went on to again credit the response of the players by saying.
‘It was a good response from the players. We are disappointed not to have won the game but ultimately a lot of people left the ground on Friday in a vibrant, positive mood. It is a big stadium to fill for a Championship game – that is not easy to do. Ultimately, we are trying to get as many in as possible and with better performances and a feel good factor around the city, will only help to encourage people to come.’
With Jeremain Lens completing his move to Besiktas, Grayson was also asked about the current transfer rumours filling the backpages and the internet.
‘Lens has gone and we move on with the present squad with players who want to be here. I have always said if you don`t want to be part of this group, taking this club forward again, then I will drive them there myself.’
He went on to say that people at the club were busy in the background but we haven’t made any firm approaches for players at this stage.
‘There have been plenty of calls going on and people are ringing me desperate to come to this club. We haven`t made any approaches to clubs for any players in this moment in time, we wanted to get the game out of the way on Friday and let things settle down and see how the lads did. We are in the market to bring players in for the right valuation. We aren`t going to pay over the odds for players and they have got to be the right type. We will wait and see and we have still got a couple of loan players we could go after.’
Looking ahead to Thursday clash, Grayson admitted August was certainly packed with games and it does make it difficult because he wants to take the Cups seriously, but obviously our main aim is the league.
‘It is very difficult because I treat this competition very seriously. I always like at the start of the season to play my strongest squad to get unity, confidence, and an understanding. With us playing on Thursday, Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday it is a real sort juggling act.’
He went on to say that there would be changes, but not too many as he tried to balance things.
‘The large part of the team will be very like Friday night but I have to think about the Norwich game and then the Sheffield Wednesday game and then the Leeds game after that. Four games in nine days is quite relentless and difficult for a lot of teams. We have to deal with it and whoever goes out there representing the club will have to try and win the game.’
