Sunderland boss Steve Bruce hopes his summer signings helps them avoid a repeat of last season's mid-term slump.
Bruce can now reflect on a turbulent period with the insurance of a 'feel-good' summer behind him.
He told the Sunday Sun: "It taught me so much. I learned a lot about myself, my staff, what it takes to be a success round here.
"People said it was the whole winter, but it was eight games. But we have to understand we took one point from nine games, which was horrific. It shook us.
"There are things we did and certain approaches that needed to be changed.
"Maybe I needed a bit more experience about the place, which is what I've tried to do this summer."
