Sunderland are in Checkatrade Trophy action this evening.
Sunderland left back Reece James has told the Sunderland Echo that he thinks Jack Ross is a little different to his previous managers in the importance he places on cup competitions.
The Black Cats are back in Checkatrade Trophy action tonight as they host Notts County in the second round of the competition, with fans dreaming of a run to Wembley.
Sunderland were in FA Cup action over the weekend, drawing 1-1 at Walsall as the tie will go to a replay, and Bolton Wanderers lie in wait for the winners of that replay.
The focus is all on cup competitions right now then, and whilst League One – and potentially winning promotion back to the Championship – is a top priority, it seems that Ross is also looking for cup runs.
It’s expected to be a strong side to face Notts County tonight, and one player who may be looking for a start is left back James, especially with Denver Hume out with a knee injury.
James has now suggested that his former managers didn’t really bother with the Checkatrade Trophy, but it’s good to see that Ross seems to be taking a different approach in targeting progression, and is looking for a deep run in the competition.
“The previous two managers I’ve been under didn’t really want to progress, they wanted to concentrate more on the league because they knew how intense the schedules could be,” said James. “I’ve never really got past the knockout stages in the competition before. But it’s nice now and once you’re already through it, you want to go all the way to the end,” he added.
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