Goal hero Matthews enjoying tripping the Light fantastic

FRIDAY’S release of Sunderland’s Netflix series provided a reminder of just how miserable last season was.

Now Adam Matthews says for himself and his team “the feel-good factor is back” at the Stadium of Light.

The Welsh full-back went into the final year of his contract having had a pretty dismal time on Wearside.

However, his goal in the 2-1 win over Bristol Rovers highlighted the transformation since.

Victory narrowed the gap on leaders Portsmouth to five points and although Sunderland are just outside the automatic promotion places they have two games in hand to rectify that - plus a game at Pompey first on Saturday.

It is all a bit different to what Matthews got used to, not making a league start for the club until two years after joining from Celtic.

Being a regular in the Championship last season was a mixed blessing as the club were relegated for a second successive season.

Matthews said: “I am definitely happier now. This season for me to be involved, playing well and happy - it feels great.

“We have the feel-good factor back at this place and I think we will take some stopping.

“The whole attitude around the place has changed. Players want to be here.

“The main thing was to get the supporters back onside after a really tough few years and they have come on board.

“Hopefully, we can keep playing like we have been to keep them supporting us like they are because they deserve it.”