Luke O'Nien says the intensity of Sunderland's pre-season work will increase on a daily basis now the players have regrouped at the Academy of Light. The squad reported back for training on Wednesday for the first time since the Black Cats' League One play-off final win against Wycombe at Wembley in May.
They are preparing for life back in the Championship, and Alex Neil's men are currently undergoing the usual round of fitness work before their first pre-season games a week tomorrow, which will see them take on Gateshead and Blyth Spartans in behind-closed-doors friendlies. "Pre-season has come around very quickly – it only feels like yesterday that we were lifting that trophy [at Wembley]," said midfielder O'Nien.
"I've probably watched the goals at least 100 times, and have been lying in bed looking through the photos. But now that's in the past.
