Tony Mowbray is impressed with the abundance of talented young players in the current Sunderland squad, considering it the “biggest batch” he has worked with in his managerial career. Known for nurturing young talent in his previous managerial roles, Mowbray sees the potential in the likes of Jack Clarke, Jobe Bellingham, Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, Dan Ballard, Niall Huggins, Pierre Ekwah, and Trai Hume at Sunderland.

Having developed players like Garry O’Connor, Derek Riordan, and Scott Brown at Hibernian and James Maddison at Coventry, Mowbray believes this group at Sunderland has the potential to build their reputations and achieve success together. He emphasizes the importance of the players sticking together and being successful for the club, rather than being individually sold off in the future.

Reflecting on past experiences, Mowbray draws parallels to the Hibs team of 2004-2006, where young players grew and succeeded together. He expresses hope that the current batch of talent at Sunderland can similarly stay united and contribute to the club’s success.

Key members of the squad, including Clarke, Neil, Patterson, and Ballard, played crucial roles in Sunderland’s sixth-place finish in the Championship last season. Mowbray acknowledges the need for the players to keep pushing hard, especially in a competitive league, and believes in the team’s ability to continue performing well. Currently eighth in the table, Sunderland aims to build on their platform and climb into the playoff places as the season progresses.