Robbie Stockdale has admitted he has been taken back by the dedication Sunderland’s supporters have shown throughout his time at the club.
The former under-23s boss was promoted to the first-team scene when Sam Allardyce was appointed as the club’s new manager in October 2015.
Having spent the last two seasons as first-team coach, Sunday will see Stockdale lead the Black Cats alongside joint caretaker boss Billy McKinlay as the pair look to kick start Sunderland’s season at the Riverside.
And speaking at his pre-match press conference, Stockdale revealed just how proud he is to lead the Black Cats in front of yet another sold out away end.
“All clubs have difficult stages and difficult times, but I reiterate that the fans throughout my time being at the football club have probably been the best thing about it.
“They turn out for the away games and home games has been quite astonishing to me.
“It is difficult at the minute and we all recognise that but at the same time we need to feed off them and give them something back.
“And I can’t think of a better way to do that then by getting a positive result on Sunday.”
He continued: “I have been at the club for a while now and been involved with the senior team for a number of years and it amazes me the number of fans we take to games.
“It amazes me the vocal support we get, it is quite staggering that they come out in the numbers that they do.
“Of course, they aren’t happy with how things are going, rest assured none of us are but if there was ever a game to get us back on track then this is it and I couldn’t have asked for a better game.”
