Duncan Watmore is urging Sunderland to make a fast start to the 2016-17 season.
The winger played a key role for England under-21s as they won the 2016 Toulon Tournament meaning his season finished just days ago, but he’s already planning for the new campaign in order to make it a successful one.
A final-day draw at Vicarage Road against Watford meant Sunderland suffered defeat just once in their final 11 games of the season, with Sam Allardyce’s side blending defensive solidity with a venomous attack.
And Watmore has challenged his team-mates to build on the momentum and spirit within the camp in order to hit the ground running when the Premier League returns.
“I really enjoyed the season and picking up the Supporters' Young Player of the Year award was great because it’s from the fans and when it’s from them it means a lot more,” said Watmore. “The fans were great throughout the season and I enjoyed my football – we could have won more games but hopefully we can do that at the start of next season and make it easier for ourselves.
“We'll have a great pre-season, work hard and come back stronger.”
He continued: “It was fantastic for them – Tom Robson, George Honeyman and Rees Greenwood – to play and they thoroughly deserved it.
“I thought they all did excellently because in those situations you just have to go out and enjoy yourself, and that’s what they did so I was really pleased for them.”
