'Really aggressive': League One boss makes 'huge' Sunderland claim as delivers a promotion race warning

But the former Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town boss has warned that the league will be as competitive as it has been in a long time – as he says some teams have been ‘really aggressive’ in terms of their recruitment.

It’s been a busy start to the transfer window in the third tier, with the likes of Ipswich Town and Wigan Athletic laying down early markers with some impressive additions thus far.

Sunderland are one of a number of clubs yet to dip into the market – but are set to make a number of new additions before the big kick-off.

While optimism is high on Wearside following Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover of the club, so too are a number of other clubs hopeful of mounting a promotion push this term.

And while Cowley believes the Black Cats will be in the discussion come May, he says the division will be ‘very competitive’ this year.

"I look at League One and see it as the most competitive it has been in many years," he said, speaking to Hampshire Live.

"You look at the size of the clubs - the three that were relegated - Wycombe are well financed, Rotherham are always very competitive and Sheffield Wednesday are a huge club at this level.

"The teams around promotion - Sunderland are huge, Ipswich and Wigan have new owners and a number of other clubs are being really aggressive with their recruitment and the finances they have available.

"We know it will be very competitive.”

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