Sunderland AFC news: Team news including Jack Clarke, Patrick Roberts and Corry Evans latest

"Really well organised. It will be similar in terms of the QPR game in terms of they put bodies behind the ball but they are not bodies behind the ball for bodies sake. 

"They are really well coached out of possession. They are a threat from set-pieces, which we’ve spoken about with the group.

"I think the coach has got the maximum of what he’s got at his disposal and think they’ve had a reasonably good season."

“I’ve spoken to Tony. Tony is back home, which I think is massive for him and his family. I am due to catch up with him but I think his response was ‘get a win first.’

“Hopefully when that win comes I’ll pop round and we’ll have a catch-up. I’ve got nothing but admiration and gratitude for all that he’s done for me and what he continues to do for me.”

“It’s more difficult than people think. Obviously you’ve got six or seven guys away. You have to try and get a balance with the players that are still here and utilise a lot of the younger players.

“It’s not as easy and straightforward as what people think. That will be the same for most clubs around the country so that’s not an excuse.”

“I’m conscious around this question because we’ve not won since I took charge of the team. They are not skipping up and down the corridors but the general feel around the environment is really positive.

“I think when players have clarity about what they are trying to do, they can see light at the end of the tunnel. I think when that clarity has gone I think it becomes really difficult for footballers.

“As I said after the last game, I think we need a little bit of help, and getting some of those bodies back will help the group. I think we are asking too much of one or two individuals at the moment in terms of their timeline. I think when we get some bodies back it will be a help for everyone.”

"A huge amount of experience. He really understands the game at a real deep level. I know Corry has still got aspirations of continuing to play and rightly so. I also know when he finishes, if he wants to go down that route, he will be a really good coach.

"We had a really good season last year but during last year there were periods where he was hugely missed. I think this year, his influence I think has been missed around the dressing room."

That brings us to the end of the broadcast section of the press conference but Dodds has also spoken to the written press, including our reporter Phil Smith.

You can find more from the Black Cats' interim head coach and build-up to Saturday's match over on the SAFC section of the Echo website.