Tom Flanagan reveals why the Sunderland squad want to repay Jack Ross as he delivers his verdict on his sudden sacking

The Scot was dismissed in October and, while he has since gone on to take over at Scottish side Hibernian, his influence is still felt at the Academy of Light.

That is particularly true in the playing squad, the vast majority of which were recruited by the 43-year-old.

And Flanagan, who was one of many players signed by Ross, believes that the current crop at the Stadium of Light still ‘owe him something’.

“I don’t need to tell you that Jack Ross knew that it was a results thing,” he said.

“It didn’t quite work for him at that time.

“But I think that the players who are playing at the moment still owe him something. And I feel that the manager now would definitely say that as well because a lot of the players were players that he’s recruited.

“It’s down to this manager now. He’s getting the best out of the players. And I think that says a lot about his management technique.

“He likes to talk to the boys. He’s involved with the boys. He’s good on the training pitches, very positive around the place and there’s a good energy.

“We’re all just feeding off that same energy.”

Sunderland have endured a tumultuous time on and off the field since Ross’ departure, and currently sit outside the play-off places in the third tier.

And while it remains unclear whether the League One season will resume - with a decision expected ‘within days’, according to EFL chairman Rick Parry - Flanagan believes that the Black Cats cannot be counted out of the promotion equation should the season resume.

“We’ve still got plenty of points to play for and we’re not out of it by any stretch of the imagination,” he said.

“I’m sure the how the table is at the moment isn’t how it will finish, and there’s lots of more twists and turns to come. We’ve got to look forward to it.”