'That's a big contributing factor': Tom Flanagan reveals the secret behind Sunderland's impressive defensive record

A fresh and varied training routine has allowed Sunderland’s defenders to flourish – according to Tom Flanagan.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The Black Cats have conceded just once in their opening three League One outings, with the club’s sole goal against coming from the penalty spot.

You have to go back to the 2002/03 season for the last time Sunderland enjoyed such a watertight start to a campaign, with the back three of Flanagan, Bailey Wright and Jordan Willis impressing in the early weeks of the campaign.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Sunderland have often struggled defensively since their drop into League One, but the back three now look to be a pillar of strength as the Black Cats target a return to the Championship at the third attempt.

Tom Flanagan reveals the secret behind Sunderland's impressive defensive recordTom Flanagan reveals the secret behind Sunderland's impressive defensive record
Tom Flanagan reveals the secret behind Sunderland's impressive defensive record

And Flanagan believes that the training schedule put in place by Phil Parkinson and his staff has been a key factor in that turnaround.

"We work very hard on the training ground and it's always quite fresh,” he said.

"We'll do a session as the back three with the other lads who aren't actually in the team at the minute defenders-wise with the manager, then the next day it'll be with Parky and the day after that with Tayls.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Sometimes you can get in a bit of monotony but we're not in that situation so it's always nice and fresh and we're looking forward to the sessions.

"We're looking forward to defending and that's a big contributing factor towards it."

And while the back three have drawn most of the plaudits for Sunderland’s defensive record, Flanagan is keen to ensure other members of the side receive the credit they deserve for their involvement.

"Us three had some standout games last season and unfortunately Bailey got injured which put a bit of a dent into our form,” added the centre back.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I think there's a lot to be said about Denver and Luke at the minute, they're both in good form, and to be honest with you, I could go on.

"Grant is sitting in front of us and with him there it enables me to go forward and help out and Jordan to go forward and help out.

"In respect to it just being us three, it's a bit difficult to take all the plaudits really."

Sunderland will put their defensive record on the line on Saturday when they travel to a resurgent Charlton Athletic, who have been buoyed by the approval of their long-awaited takeover.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Flanagan is hopeful that the Black Cats can continue to build up momentum as they move into October – something he feels will be a ‘telling factor’ in the promotion race come May.

"Momentum is huge,” he said.

"That'll be a telling factor in the season - if we can make this go five or six wins and then maybe a draw, where previously it's maybe been four wins, a loss, a draw then a few wins.

"Momentum is huge and you can feel it in the dressing room and on the pitch as well - I never felt in that game that we were going to lose. That's off the back of a good away win, so momentum is huge."

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear

Football Clubs Editor