WATCH: Sunderland AFC training with a difference

The sight of Sunderland first team players completing their training drills on the sandy beaches at Roker used to be a common one years ago but it is an altogether rarer sight these days.

Sunderland's training sessions are usually confined to the state-of-the-art Academy of Light with the odd session at the Stadium of Light.

Former boss Sam Allardyce did take his squad to the beach last season, with Sunderland doing the same again this week.

On Wednesday morning, the Sunderland squad headed down to the beach to do a series of drills.

Assistant manager Paul Bracewell and first team coach Robbie Stockdale can be seen overseeing the training session in this video footage compiled by SAFC.