Sunderland defender Titus Bramble is upbeat over the arrival of their former Manchester United defensive pair.
Glancing down a list headed by multiple title winners Wes Brown and John O'Shea, the defender believes a winning mentality has been injected into Sunderland's DNA thanks to the new recruits.
He told the Sunday Sun: "Of course it makes us all feel optimistic for the future. Look at some of the signings the manager has made - Wes and John O'Shea for a start.
"We have brought in winners. We have brought in guys who have won things all of their lives - they have won every award and every accolade you can win at club level.
"They bring that determination and will to win that maybe some of the younger lads need. We had a lot of young players last season, that experience of playing at Manchester United is key.
"I read somewhere that Seb Larsson chose us over Arsenal, which is a big thing. You do not get that kind of thing if you are not a club going in the right direction.
"Every big club wanted Connor Wickham but he chose Sunderland because he could see we have something to build on here. We are going in the right direction.
"It feels exciting to be part of it. This club is moving forward."
