Sunderland midfielder Lee Cattermole is enjoying his football under Gus Poyet.
The 26-year-old has just been voted North East Football Writers' Player of 2014.
"In the last year I have learned a hell of a lot," said Cattermole.
"Gus coming in has been a massive factor in winning the award, which I'm chuffed about. Gus is very much my kind of person, very English minded.
"It is totally different playing under Gus than any other manager. I think he played street football a lot more. He almost taught himself, which is why he was a very natural player.
"And he has told me in no uncertain terms that, in the position I play, if I don't do what he wants then I won't play. On and off the pitch this is as good as I have ever felt. The manager has stuck with me."
