Former Sunderland striker Don Goodman has warned Black Cats fans it may be a few years before they are competing at the top end of the Championship after promotion from League One. The Black Cats ended their play-off hoodoo under the Wembley arch in front of more than 46,000 supporters last weekend.
The Wearsiders put in a convincing display, one that was testament to head coach Alex Neil, as they beat Wycombe Wanderers to seal promotion. And Goodman has been full of praise for the Sunderland boss but says expectations should be realistic next season.
Goodman told the EFL Podcast : "I think we've touched on it many a time on this podcast, we generally feel, the general consensus is that it is a big gap between League One and the Championship. Looking back historically over the past three or four play-off final winners, Blackpool were the first ones to survive this season from the last four seasons.
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"Wycombe Wanderers won before them, Charlton before them and Rotherham before them. They all found it very difficult. It's all about competing really.
"You can't get ahead of yourself, you take what's on the table, just like Luton, just like Huddersfield Town this season, like Barnsley last season. You never know, but I can't imagine the aim is instant promotion but I'm sure they'll assess that as the season unravels.
"I've got a keen eye on recruitment because they will have to strengthen in different departments. I await with baited breath how Sunderland start the season at the end of July."
