Ross has a clear target and ambition for Black Cats

Jack Ross has never shied away from his ambition of winning promotion with Sunderland in style by lifting the League One title in May.

Most managers may attempt to dampen the expectation levels, not Ross. The Scot is, by his own admission, a perfectionist.

And he wants to make it backto-back titles following his Scottish Championship success with St Mirren last season.

Sunderland take a break from league action this weekend, the Black Cats travel to face Port Vale in the FA Cup first round on Sunday afternoon.

Ross’ focus this week has been on making progress in the cup competitions, with the final Checkatrade Trophy group match to follow at Morecambe next Tuesday.

But his ambition of holding aloft the League One title is never far from his thoughts.

Ross has been reflecting on his relentless drive for perfection in an in-depth interview with the Coaches’ Voice.

“I spoke to the players about it [our aims for this season] as soon as the squad was settled,” said Ross.

“We’re targeting promotion. We speak about it every week. That can be formally, within our meetings – or informally, with messages passed on within the group or in the changing room before a game, when people are motivating each other.

“I’ve never shied away from targets as a manager. I’ve always put them out there. Does it invite more pressure? Possibly, but there’s pressure on us to perform and win every week. Rather than avoid the pressure, it’s about being resilient enough to deal with it.