Alex Neil says Sunderland must not underestimate their opening day opponents Coventry City - pointing out that the Black Cats are the new kids on the block in the Championship, while the Sky Blues have established themselves in the second tier. Sunderland make their return to the Championship this weekend after winning promotion from League One at the fourth attempt, and they take on Coventry at the Stadium of Light in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Sunday lunchtime.
A big crowd is expected and the surge of positivity that surrounded Sunderland's promotion at Wembley two months ago is set to continue into the new campaign. But Neil cautions that Sunderland are stepping up a level, and they start against a side that is about to embark on its third season in the Championship following their own promotion from League One in 2020.
"I do think we have a difficult start," said Neil. "Unfortunately for us, I think some people might underestimate Coventry - I certainly don't.
