SAFC squad take to the factory floor
Chris Coleman’s Sunderland squad swapped the Academy of Light training pitches for the factory floor as they visited a manufacturing plant.
The entire Black Cats first team were at construction and mining equipment maker Caterpillar’s Peterlee facility as they learned more about the company’s work and met staff who are also fans.
Sunderland are bottom of the Championship with just eight games of the season remaining, and at present look likely to drop into the third tier for only the second time in the club’s almost 140-year history.
Manager Coleman was among those on the tour and he and his players even got to work on a factory floor simulator, used by apprentices and new staff at the factory.
“It’s a chance for us to get away fro the training ground and into somewhere different,” said Coleman.
“We’ve all heard of the company, but I suppose we didn’t realise just how big this plant is.
“A lot of the staff here support Sunderland so it’s been a good opportunity for us to meet them and have a chat.
“This is real life, if you like.
“We’re bottom of the league right now and facing a really tough end to the season, but we maybe need to stop and think how lucky we are to do what we do.”
Caterpillar had a turnover of $45billion last year and has 98,500 employees worldwide, with 1,400 of those at the Peterlee base.
Sunderland supporter Michael Thornley, a supply chain manager, got to meet the squad and was also given a signed SAFC shirt in recognition of his 37 years of service with Caterpillar.
Michael, who is due to retire in three weeks, said: “Today has been great for engagement and we’ve enjoyed giving the players an appreciation of what the company is all about.”