Alex Neil says Sunderland's success using a back three at times last season has given him 'food for thought' as the Black Cats head into the Championship. Neil tends to prefer playing with a back four, but on occasions during the run to the play-offs and promotion he opted to switch to a back three in certain games for better balance.
And the move invariably worked, meaning Neil is open to using that system at times in the coming season. "A four for me is more natural in terms of how my teams have generally played," he said.
"However, certainly going to a back three, although I wouldn't say it was forced on us, gave us a better balance at times. What it has given me is a bit of food for thought.
