Mow’s time in the Sun

TONY MOWBRAY is such an astute, thoughtful manager that he knows where Sunderland really are as a club right now.

A healthy gloss has rightly been added to the club after finishing a remarkable sixth in the

Championship table.

That’s thrust the Mackems to within touching distance of the Premier League as the compelling drama of the EFL play-offs unfold.

Succeed in that mission at Wembley on May 27 and Sunderland will be a club transformed by the extra £200million of income that would flood into the Stadium Of Light.

But in reality what has happened this year is a huge over-achievement.

After four years in League One, only a season of mid-table consolidation was expected.

But several factors have aligned to give Sunderland a chance. Some of their luck has been created through clever decisions.

Landing Man United winger Amad Diallo on loan has been instrumental. Pairing him with Patrick Roberts – a player on Amad’s wavelength – to create chances has worked wonders.

Creating a youthful fresh squad – eight players 22 or under – leaves Mowbray (above) demanding only that they be brave, enjoy themselves and show hunger.

His pressure-relieving man management has worked a treat and fans have had a happy 12 months following last season’s play-off final promotion.

They have benefited from relegated Watford and Norwich flopping, despite parachute payments, and the league hasn’t had the strength of past seasons.

That leaves Sunderland facing a tough battle to repeat their play-off heroics. Even cost-cutting Leicester, Leeds or Southampton would be powerful new opponents.

If they don’t go up replacements are needed just to stand still.

So much rides on the play-offs.