The 30-year-old defender believes the team has what it takes to push for promotion if they can get through this season without being relegated
Things have gone from bad to worse for Sunderland since they were relegated from the Premier League following the completion of last season.
The Black Cats currently sit bottom of the Championship table with 22 points, having only won four of their 27 league games so far.
Ex-Wales boss Chris Coleman was brought in by the board to replace Simon Grayson in November, but the side have continued to struggle and remain in severe danger of experiencing relegation yet again.
According to the BBC, Sunderland’s Billy Jones, who belongs to the defence that has conceded nearly 50 league goals so far this season, believes his side have it in them to challenge for promotion in 2018/2019 should they avoid relegation this time round.
As it stands, the Tyneside club are three points away from safety and only seven points away from 18th-placed Reading.
“We’re obviously disappointed with the season we’ve had so far,” Jones said.
“This season is a transition, I feel if we stay up this year we’ll be a force to be reckoned with next year.”
“I’ve been in this situation previously in the Championship,” the former West Brom player continued.
“I was at Preston and we changed managers and it looked for certain we were going to go down. A manager came in, we survived that season and made the play-offs the season after.
“We’re obviously disappointed with our performances and our lack of consistency.
“All you can do is concentrate on the next game. By winning the next game you forget about the performance previously.”
There is still plenty of football to be played but Sunderland and their new boss will know they need to turn the corner sooner rather than later.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
