Tyias Browning has revealed he jumped at the chance to be reunited with Simon Grayson at Sunderland.
The defender completed his season-long loan switch from Everton on Saturday, joining Toffees team-mate Brendan Galloway through the door at the Stadium of Light this summer.
Browning, 23, spent the second-half of last season at Preston North End with Grayson and made eight appearances as he helped the Deepdale club achieve 11th in the Sky Bet Championship.
And speaking to safc.com in his first interview, the youngster admitted the Grayson factor meant little persuasion was needed to get him to sign on the dotted line.
“Everybody I spoke to about the move have had nothing but good things to say,” he said.
“It is a big club with a lot of fans so I was never going to turn it down.
“It is a good opportunity for me to prove a point and show what I am capable of.
“I was comfortable with him (Simon) last season when I met him at Preston.
“It was ideal for me because I know him quite well, he understands me and I was just delighted when he asked me (to sign for Sunderland).
“It was a good experience (at Preston last season) but it was more stop start because I had a little injury.
“I didn’t really get a chance to get going but hopefully I can get going here,” he continued.
“I want to give it my all, I am hard working and hopefully we can get ourselves back up there.”
