Former West Ham United and Crystal Palace midfielder Jobi McAnuff believes Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray should be in the conversation for manager of the season. The Black Cats are still in with a shout of finishing in the Championship play-offs heading into the final day of the season - a remarkable feat for the newly promoted side.
The Wearsiders have been one of the best teams to watch in terms of attractive football this season and have had to deal with their fair share of injury problems and setbacks. However, to a point against Watford and results going their way elsewhere, means Mowbray and his men are a win and a slice of good luck away from finishing in the top-six.
Since arriving on Wearside, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and Kristjaan Speakman have transformed the Black Cats into an almost unrecognisable side from the one they inherited. Alex Nail's departure rocked the boat earlier in the season, but Mowbray, a man well known for his ability to turn prospects into established talents, has done more than just steady the ship.
READ MORE: Sunderland's route to securing a play-off place on the final day explained
McAnuff told the ITV highlights show: "Yeah, listen, I think this is a really different story in terms of expectation around a football club. They've only been promoted, have such a young squad, they've had to deal without a real centre-forward at times in Ross Stewart and Ellis Simms.
"This goal here from Patrick Roberts is fantastic in the 96th minute of the game to really keep them in it. I think that team spirit in such a young group that they showed today will please Tony Mowbray.
"He's another manager, who for me, is most definitely in the conversation for manager of the season."
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