Former Sunderland midfielder Martin Gray is full of praise for manager Gus Poyet.
Gray is now managing Darlington 1883 and running his own academy.
He told The Journal: "Gus has done a great job.
"When he first came to Sunderland, the task he took on from the previous regime was a massive one.
"But having come across him when I was at Oldham and he was at Brighton, I did feel he might have what it takes.
"Now people have bought into his philosophy. He's put an arm around players, made them wanted and loved. They've picked up on his self-belief and the club's moving in the right direction."
