‘Turn the fans against Sunderland – then beating them is easy’

PLAYERS would rather turn out for Bristol City than Sunderland – according to Leroy Rosenior. The former striker, who played for City in latter stages of his career, feels the Black Cats’ fall from grace is such they are outranked by their Championship rivals. The two sides go head to head at the Stadium of Light today with Sunderland desperate to end their barren run without a home victory - but, while he believes Sunderland are a ‘magnificent’ football club, Rosenior insists Bristol City have a ‘much better outlook’ when it comes to the future.

Writing for our sister paper the Bristol Evening Post, Rosenior said: “Sunderland and Bristol City are two big clubs. I think this time last year people would have said what a big club Sunderland are but in terms of fan base they are equal.

“OK, Sunderland have been in the Premier League, but in terms of potential Bristol City have a much better outlook.

“There are a lot of people who would want to play for City and manage City compared to Sunderland. That is how quickly things have turned around this season when you look at these teams.

“Sunderland are in the bottom three, they are magnificent football club who have been run appallingly in the last six years.

“There has been no vision, no plan - I think they have good players but there just is a sense of doom around the club.”

Sunderland’s appalling home record is well known and Rosenior feels turning the crowd against the Black Cats today could be key for the visitors.

He added: “I watched last season when they were relegated and fans were leaving after 50 minutes, five minutes into the second half fans were walking out of the ground.

“That is the strength you have going to the Stadium of Light as an away team - if you can get the fans on the home team’s back in the first 15-20 minutes it is a difficult place to perform for Sunderland’s players.

“I am hoping City do that and I am sure they will.”