Robin Roefs praised Sunderland’s travelling support after making his return in the pre-season win over Wrexham.

Robin Roefs said it was an “honour” to represent Sunderland’s travelling support after making his return during the Black Cats’ pre-season victory over Wrexham.

The goalkeeper played the opening hour as Régis Le Bris’s side completed their United States tour with a deserved 1-0 win in Philadelphia. Nordi Mukiele scored the decisive first-half goal, while Roefs was largely untroubled as Sunderland controlled the majority of his time on the pitch.

Roefs had only rejoined his teammates the previous week but looked comfortable on his return to action. The goalkeeper was pleased to be back among the squad after an extended period away and admitted the warm conditions made the occasion even more enjoyable.

“Good, especially with the sun,” Roefs said. “It is really nice to play and good to be back with the boys. I arrived last week and it was just really nice to see everyone again. It had been some time since I was here, but I am really happy to be back playing as well. It was really good.”

The goalkeeper believes Sunderland’s close-knit dressing room has helped those players settle back into the group quickly. He also praised the balance between the squad’s relaxed atmosphere away from training and the demanding standards maintained when they begin working.

“Really nice,” Roefs said when asked how he had found the tour. “They are all such good guys and it is a really good environment within the team. Everyone is so good with each other. We are enjoying our time together, while also working really hard in training. I think we combine those things really well. Off the pitch, we have fun with each other, but on the pitch we work hard together and push each other. I thought today was a good fight. They put up a good fight and were really physical, but I think we matched that well. There are obviously some things we can do better, but I thought we matched their fighting spirit really well.”

Roefs acknowledged that pre-season can begin to feel lengthy once players regain their fitness and rhythm. Following the way Sunderland ended the previous campaign, he said there was already a strong desire within the squad to return to competitive action.

“Everyone is looking forward to it,” Roefs said. “I only joined this week, but the other guys have already been back for a little while. Most of the time, as soon as you start pre-season and begin getting back into good condition, you just want the season to start. Especially after the way we finished last season, we want to get back at it and get started again.”

Sunderland supporters followed the team throughout their tour, with fans present at the games in Nashville, New Jersey and Philadelphia. Their commitment did not surprise Roefs, who has quickly learned how extensively the club’s support travels.

The goalkeeper said Sunderland’s players had felt that backing throughout the trip and delivered a warm verdict on those who had followed Le Bris’s side across the United States.

“It does not surprise me,” Roefs said. “From the moment I arrived, and even from what the players told me about the Championship, they travel everywhere. It does not matter where we play or what time we play, they will be there. We really feel that during the season, but even here in all the cities we have visited, we have been cheered on by our fans. It is an honour to play for them.”