Sunderland raised a few eyebrows by appointing Regis Le Bris - but he's been phenomenal

Former Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has backed the club for a Premier League return. The Black Cats enjoyed a decade-long run in the top-flight between 2007-2017, but they were relegated from at the end of the 2016-2017 season and have been desperately trying to get back ever since.

However, having narrowly missed out on promotion back to the Premier League a couple of seasons ago after play-off semi-final heartache, the club are flying high in the Championship after an impressive start. New head coach Regis Le Bris inspired a breathtaking start to this season with the club having led the league during the first few weeks until slipping recently.

“I think they’ve got a great chance of getting promoted, it would be great if the club could get back in the Premier League,” Bardsley told SportsBoom “A couple of years ago they were close to getting promoted but they unfortunately lost to Luton in the play-off semi-final over two legs, but they’ve been doing well for a few years now.

READ MORE: I love Sunderland and want to earn my first-team chance after Salford loan move

READ MORE: Fine margins costing Sunderland but don't rule out Bramall Lane surprise

“They won promotion back to the Championship and have already had a good chance of going up again. I’ve been really impressed with them, especially the recruitment side which I think has been really good. I think they’ve identified some good young talent and stuck with them.

“The new manager came in this season, and no one really knew much about him and what to expect because he’s not a well-renowned name. I can imagine a few eyebrows were raised when he did come in, but since he’s come in, he’s been phenomenal.

“The style of football he plays is really pleasing on the eye, they look like they have that edge to them. I watched them at Preston not long ago and, even though they drew the game, they were on top, and they showed they have a bit of fight in them. They’re the sort of qualities you need to try and get out of that division, as well as obviously having decent players.”

Bardsley enjoyed seven seasons in the Premier League with the club and loved playing at the Stadium of Light.

“I had some great times at the club and also some tough times as well with different managers, but the fans always seemed to stick with me,” he added. “That just goes to show that if you represent the shirt in the right way, you wear it with pride and you give everything you can week-in, week-out, then they’ll adore you.

“They turn up in their number’s week-in, week-out, whether it’s Plymouth away or Watford at home, they’re special fans. It never ceases to amaze me how many fans they get.

“If any player ever gets the chance to play up there or for the club, then I think they’ll understand how special it is and how much the club means to the supporters in the city. That’s probably why it’s just a great club.”