BARDO PREVIEWS SEASON

Former Sunderlad defender Phil Bardsley has shared his thoughts on Sunderland's upcoming season, and discusses why last season was such a roaring success. We spoke to Bardo via BetTOM.

HOME RECORD WAS KEY

“I think they were so confident, especially at home, regardless of who came. I went to the United game at the Stadium of Light and thought they were absolutely outstanding. I was looking at both teams and if they’d both played in neutral kits, you wouldn’t have guessed which team was which!"

CONSISTENCY

"They made it into that fortress that it had been for a while when I was there. Teams didn’t enjoy coming there, it was a tough place to go. The conditions are never nice and there’s always a bit of swirling wind and a bit of rain or sleet! I think their home performances have been consistent, as well as delivering a few really nice away wins."

THOUGHTS ON RLB

"I like the manager and his energy, I think he brings an element of calmness and he looks like he knows what he wants from the group. He’ll look to add to this and go again."

EUROPE TO CONTEND WITH

"Can he go again and build on it, with Europe? I don’t think so, personally. But if the players are on board and they’re willing to give it everything they’ve got, then who knows? You’ve seen stranger things happen in football. I’m really looking forward to the European away days and might even book myself a trip out there!”