Alex Neil says a strong sense of team spirit has seen Sunderland develop a rare 'selfless changing room' which paid dividends in last season's promotion and into the new Championship campaign. The Black Cats have fashioned a squad made up of homegrown academy graduates, imported young talent, and some experienced pros.
Neil believes Sunderland have got the blend exactly right, and says that is crucial if the club is to continue moving forward. "There are very few times in your career as a player where you can honestly look around and find yourself in a selfless changing room," said the head coach.
"I played for 14 years or so and maybe it only happens for three or four years in that length of career, say, or maybe if you are extremely fortunate and land somewhere that is on the up for a length of time, a few more years. But you need that selfless changing room where guys who aren't starting are there for the team and there for the group and everyone is pulling in the same direction.
