Lee Cattermole believes Sunday’s cup final is all about giving something back to fans who’ve stuck with the club through thick and thin.
Sunderland travel to Wembley this weekend for their Checkatrade Trophy showdown against promotion rivals Portsmouth.
With Sky Bet League One duties on hold this weekend, the midfielder, who has helped put the Black Cats in with a shout of an immediate return to the Championship with nine games left, has highlighted the significance of repaying the faith shown by the red and white army.
“What we are getting on Sunday is the reward for what we’ve done this season,” he said.
“Starting with the new manager and change of ownership. We worked really hard through pre-season and this is just the rewards from it.
“For us as a club and having been here as long as I have, it’s a rebuilding process.
“We’ve built a good relationship once again with the fans. We’re unbeaten in the league at home, we’ve had massive attendances all season and there’s a really good feeling about the place.
“We want to keep building that relationship and a win on Sunday could be the icing on the cake.
“It’s about doing it for the supporters and the football club. It is a big game on Sunday for both sides.
“Two big football teams are going up against each other and it’s a game we’re looking forward to.”
