Sunderland are not 'satisfied' with finishing in the Championship play-offs and are already raising their sights for next season, insists Kristjaan Speakman. The Black Cats returned to the second tier after a four-year absence and exceeded expectations in their first season back at that level, defying a catalogue of injuries to secure a sixth-place finish and a spot in the play-offs.
It was the highest finish by a newly-promoted League One side for almost a decade, but Sunderland went on to lose out in the play-off semi-final on aggregate against Luton Town - with the Hatters eventually winning promotion to the Premier League after beating Coventry City in the Wembley final. The performance of Tony Mowbray's side was one of the Championship stories of the season, but as a result there will be more pressure on them next season as they look to continue their upward trajectory.
And sporting director Speakman says his aim now has to be put together a team capable of challenging at the top of the table. "We want to be putting out a team that can be challenging at the top of the league," said Speakman told the club's Youtube channel.
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"No-one is satisfied with getting into the play-offs - while it is a great achievement in the first year back, we have to keep being successful and we have to keep improving."
Sunderland made some smart moves in the transfer market last summer, including making Jack Clarke's move to Wearside permanent after a successful loan spell the season before, and adding Dan Ballard and Aji Alese, as well as bringing in Amad on loan from Manchester United. But if Sunderland are to improve again during this summer's transfer window, they will need to recruit well once more to bring in players who suit the brand of attacking football that served the Black Cats so well last season.
Speakman said: "Our main focus is around our squad composition. We have to capitalise on the opportunity when the transfer window comes up to be able to keep developing that squad and evolving the quality in it.
"We do appreciate as well that supporters like to see that change and new personalities come in. And we're really pleased from the external feedback we have had that supporters have bought into the style of play, the players."
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