Simon Grayson still believes Sunderland could still achieve promotion to the Championship this season.
This is despite the Black Cats' recent form and Grayson is optimistic Alex Neil can steady the ship ahead of a pivotal run-in as they look to secure a play-off place.
Sunderland stretched their winless run in League One to six matches with a 1-1 draw against Burton Albion on Tuesday night, as Ross Stewart's injury-time equaliser cancelled out Cameron Borthwick-Jackson's first-half strike.
However, the result actually moved the Black Cats back into the top-six after Wycombe Wanderers slumped to a 3-1 defeat against Wigan Athletic.
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A late leveller could give Sunderland something to build on and former Sunderland manager, Grayson, believes everything is still to play for in the promotion race.
"It’s not been an easy period. Obviously Lee [Johnson] lost his job, and Alex Neil has gone in," said Grayson, via Sky Sports.
"Once they get that upward momentum again, because the Stadium of Light can be a great place to play, but it can also be a difficult place.
"They’re still just outside the play-offs, they’ve got a great opportunity. The top two might be a bit more difficult but the play-off is still a big opportunity.
"But that point last night, as daft as it might seem, might be a little bit of an impetus that they can get going again at the weekend.
"But it’s all to play for for a lot of other clubs around that top six of League One."
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Rotherham United currently sit at the top of the division having picked up 72 points from their opening 33 matches, while Wigan Athletic also occupy the second automatic spot.
MK Dons, Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle are in the other three play-off positions, but Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and Ipswich Town will also fancy their chances.
Sunderland are next in action when they make the tricky trip to Wigan this weekend.
