Sunderland's Daniel Ballard has hailed Tony Mowbray's man management after reports suggested the 59-year-old could be replaced as Black Cats boss. The former Boro boss was appointed as Alex Neil's successor in August last year and guided the Wearsiders to a top-six finish in his first season in charge, but shock reports suggested Mowbray could be replaced by Italian Francesco Fariol.
Mowbray has spoken about his desire to stay on beyond this summer, while Kristjaan Speakman downplayed talk of replacing the current Black Cats boss. Mowbray's men were beaten by Luton Town over the course of two legs in the play-off semi-final, with the Hatters going on to win promotion to the Premier League. “His man-management is his big strength," Ballard told the Athletic.
"We all feel like he’s backing us and he gives us that confidence to play freely. The football we played is really good to watch. He knows we’ve got great young technical players and he plays to our strengths.
READ MORE: Dan Ballard explains why he chose a move to Sunderland over Burnley last summer
“Last year maybe surprised us, as the play-offs wasn’t probably in our plans, but the football we played and the talent we have is exciting. Hopefully we keep hold of the players we have and add another couple.
“It’s been nice to get some recognition the last few years. I feel like a very good Championship player when I’m fit but hopefully we have a great season and can reach the Premier League. That is the aim for me now, whereas before it was just to make a career.”
Sunderland head into next season looking to improve on their play-off semi-final defeat, but will need to replace star man Amad Diallo who returned to Manchester United. The Ivorian caught the eye of a number of Premier League teams during his spell on Wearside, while Dutch champions Feyenoord are also keen on a loan move for the forward.
“Some people get to the Premier League and find they either have it or they don’t. He’s got it,” Ballard added when asked about Diallo and whether he could break into the Manchester United first-team.
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