Robbin Ruiter points out a big difference between Sunderland’s last two managers

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Chris Coleman has made a solid start to life as Sunderland boss, after picking up four points in their last four matches.

Sunderland goalkeeper Robbin Ruiter has told the Sunderland Echo that Chris Coleman has made changes to training since taking over from Simon Grayson, and he is enjoying working with the Welsh boss at the Stadium of Light.

Grayson struggled during his time in charge of Sunderland, with the Black Cats picking up just one league victory under his stewardship.

Since taking charge, Coleman has helped Sunderland pick up four points from his first four games in charge.

Sunderland’s latest performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux was among their finest of the season.

Sunderland picked up a 0-0 draw against the league leaders, with their defensive organisation drawing great credit.

And Ruiter claims that Coleman’s work on the training ground is really paying dividends now.

“Simon was a great guy and a good manager but this manager works in a different way and we work a lot on how the shape is and how we have to be in our organisation,” Ruiter said.

“If everybody knows his role in the organisation it’s easier to rely on each other.

“So if John makes two steps one way it’s important that Ty or Marc do the same, things like that.

“Before we didn’t always do that and now we can rely on each other and everybody has more confidence because of that.”

Coleman’s start at Sunderland has helped to increase optimism at the Stadium of Light, but they still have a lot of work to do to get out of trouble.

Sunderland are currently in 23rd place in the Championship table, one point away from safety.

The Black Cats are next in action on Saturday, when they take on Fulham.