The Black Cats were extremely impressive last season, as they managed to finish in the play-offs, despite it being their first season back in the league, following promotion from League One.
Does this mean that this season, the fans will have higher expectations?
I believe so, and with two or three more signings, i think Sunderland could have a chance of competing at the top end of the table.
Despite signing two strikers, Hemir and Mayenda, Sunderland still find themselves short of striking options going into the season, because Ross Stewart remains out until September, and Mayenda now has a hamstring injury.
Of course, Sunderland lost a key player in Amad Diallo, but i believe that Jack Clarke and Patrick Roberts have enough quality to still cause problems.
One of the main problems Sunderland had last season, was being bullied physically, because they had such a young and small team, but Speakman has done a great job in finding some big and strong players, that still fit the model, such as Triantis, Jobe, Seelt and Hemir.
The Championship has the potential to be the most challenging it has been in years, with big clubs such as Leicester, Southampton and Leeds, who have came down from the Premier League.
However, Sunderland proved last season that they can give anyone a good game and never give up, so if we keep that mentality, there is no reason why they can’t compete at the top end.