Cats boss puts on chances of

BROWNING’S VERDICT ON BOSS GRAYSON

SIMON Grayson’s positive mindset has cleared Sunderland’s post-relegation hangover, according to Tyias Browning.

The 23-year-old is one of seven summer signings who do not have the scars from last season, when the club put up a feeble fight against relegation.

Having spent just £1.25m in transfer fees while seeing 13 senior players leave has made life tough for the Black Cats, but they travel to Norwich City today with a draw and a win from their opening two games.

Having been in difficult situations in all four of his previous managerial jobs, Grayson has tried to mix realism with more optimism than was around the club under David Moyes. On-loan defender Browning says that attitude has paid dividends.

“I think the manager’s brought a lot of positivity into the changing room and that’s what we needed, to be honest,” said the Everton defender. “There was a bit of chins on the chests but that’s out the window now and we can push on.”

At 23, Browning has come to Sunderland to learn more about the game, but when it comes to Championship football he is one of their more experienced players.

After 10 years in the topflight, last season’s Black Cats squad contained few players who had appeared in the second tier, which is something Grayson has tried to address.

Five of his seven additions have played at that level. Browning played eight times on loan at Grayson’s Preston North End, and had two more outings with Wigan Athletic in January 2014.

“There’s a couple of us with Championship experience – most of the new lads and the manager of course but we’ll help the team however we can,” he said. “I’m sure they’ll adapt quite well because the games come thick and fast. I’m just looking forward to it.”

Most of those appearances – and his games for Everton – came at right-back, but Browning’s best position is thought to be in the heart of defence, where he played in pre-season