Sunderland’s players must take the rough and tumble of Sky Bet Championship football in their stride according to club legend Kevin Ball.
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The former Black Cat captained the Lads to the second-tier title on two occasions during his playing days, so he knows exactly what it takes to succeed in the division.
On Wednesday the 2017-18 fixtures were revealed, pairing Sunderland with Derby County on the opening day as a challenging start for the Black Cats ignited excitement on Wearside.
And speaking to Sky Sports, Ball revealed he can’t wait for Friday 4 August at the Stadium of Light.
“I think it’s a great opening game,” said the club ambassador.
“The fact we’re at home on a Friday night to kick off the season means I think they’ll be a full house and I think they’ll be a fantastic atmosphere.”
He continued: “We always have great away support and they’ll thoroughly enjoy the opening games with trips like Sheffeld Wednesday, but they will be tough as you need to find your level.
“The one thing we need to be is resilient because you need to make sure you get your level of performance up where it needs to be, while getting as many points as you can.
“In the Championship the games come thick and fast – you can play three games in a week – so your mental preparation is very important.
“You also have to manage the players physically and the staff we have at the club are fantastic, but you have to be tough and take your knocks, and if you get whacked you get up and start again.
“We have to start afresh and give ourselves a right go at getting promoted this season.”
