New Portsmouth chief has this budget warning to Sunderland, Charlton, Wigan and Ipswich Town

Sunderland have previously had one of, if not the, biggest budgets in League One since dropping down from the Championship but Ipswich, Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday will all be looking to strengthen this summer.

Sunderland’s budget will be reduced this season compared to last but the new Pompey chief insists his club will once again prove a fierce competitor.

Cullen told The News: “I think we can be competitive.

“If you look back over many seasons in League One, you will find clubs are able to compete against those with all the money.

“It took Sheffield United, with a big budget, several years to get out of League One.

“Sunderland, with far and away the biggest budget, have been in the division for three seasons.

“What’s important is you have an identity, you have a philosophy and you have players who are committed to the football club.

“The manager has chosen those players to fit with the philosophy and identity he has.

“So that’s what we have to work towards - supporting the manager in creating an identity and philosophy which will take the football club forward.

“That’s what we’re trying to do.”

Meanwhile, elsewhere in League One Morecambe defender Kelvin Mellor has agreed a new one-year contract after helping the club win promotion.

The 30-year-old made 32 league appearances during his maiden season with the Shrimps, in addition to coming off the bench in the League Two play-off final victory over Newport at Wembley.

Morecambe appointed Stephen Robinson as their new manager earlier this month following Derek Adams’ departure to Bradford.

“I spoke to the manager and I was really impressed with what he had to say and I can’t wait to get back,” Mellor told the club website.

“It was a massive achievement for the club to reach League One but one we are looking forward to. It will be a challenge but we upset the odds massively last year and I can’t see any reason why we can’t do the same again this year.”

Full-back Mellor previously had permanent spells with Crewe, Plymouth, Blackpool and Bradford.

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