Billy Jones has hailed the positive influence Sunderland’s January signings have had on the squad.
Joleon Lescott, Darron Gibson and Bryan Oviedo joined David Moyes’ side last month as the Scot added further steel to his ranks.
While Lescott brings a colossal 287 Premier League appearances to the heart of the Lads’ backline, Gibson and Oviedo offer more depth and quality at both full-back and centre midfield.
The trio enjoyed a fine start to life as Sunderland players, playing their part in a historic away victory at Crystal Palace at the start of February.
However, last Saturday proved to be a day to forget as Gibson and Oviedo made their home bows at the Stadium of Light.
But full-back Jones is keen to banish memories of the Saints match, admitting the new signings can help to rekindle the collective spirit with the fans.
“You can feel that the club try to get the link with the fans and keep that,” he said.
“Like we always say as a club we always appreciate the support the fans give us home and away and they’re obviously very big for us.
“It is massive because everyone talks about January signings and the boost they can have and it has,” he continued.
“The lads who have come in have hit the ground running and they are all great proven Premier League players.
“It’s great to have that experience and they have settled in really well, it’s great to have them.”
