‘Black Cats require mental power’

IAN ATKINS knows, as a former captain and recruitment boss, that Sunderland will only recapture their glory days with players who can deal with the mental pressure at the club.

Atkins insisted: “Until you live in the area, people don’t realise what it’s all about.

“I had six years doing the recruitment when they were in the Premier League and I’ve been the captain. I know it’s not

always about having the ability to play for Sunderland, you’ve got to have mental strength.

“So many so-called great signings have been buried – not able to handle the demands and pressure of the crowd.

“That hasn’t been happening and that’s why Sunderland are still in League One for a fourth season. It’s a club drowning in mediocrity.

“More emphasis in the recruitment process should be

placed on the character of players. Reputations don’t mean a thing if they crumble when the heat is on.”

A 6-0 thumping at Bolton spelled the end of Lee Johnson’s reign and Atkins believes it was the right call by the owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus to bring in a new manager.

Atkins added: “It may appear ruthless, but you must have a winning culture to take the club back into the Premier League.”