Gary Rowett believes managing Sunderland right now is about far more than just winning games.
Defending current boss Jack Ross, Rowett believes that while wins will always help, the club needs a change in mentality and culture, after many years of failure at the club.
Rowett, who has been out of the job since his sacking from Stoke City last season, shared his thoughts on the Black Cats while doing punditry for QuestTV's EFL Goals show.
He said: "The expectation, a side as big as Sunderland and that fan base, they should go straight back up so the pressure will be on to turn loads of their draws into wins.
"The manager Jack Ross, yes he needs to get Sunderland winning, yes he needs to get Sunderland promoted but he has to change the mentality and culture within the club."
Ross had been under a little pressure after failing to earn promotion last term and then beginning the new season with two 1-1 draws. With too many draws ultimately costing Sunderland promotion last term, there was growing concerns among many whether Ross could deliver this term.
But that growing pressure was at least eased somewhat on Saturday with the important 2-1 victory over Portsmouth.
