Jamie McAllister explains what Sunderland's form shows about Lee Johnson's methods

The Black Cats are unbeaten in eleven games across all competitions and have put themselves firmly into contention for automatic promotion.

McAllister believes that Lee Johnson s vision for how he wants the team to develop in the long term is starting to make an impact and says positive results is seeing confidence sorar.

"[Developing a winning mentality] It's about creating that belief in the dressing room and the staff that, OK, there's a new manager in and if we buy in, we're going to be successful," he said.

"It's easy to come in and say that but once you start to do it, then that belief starts to grow a lot quicker.

"Everyone gets on board quicker when you start winning games because there's that belief and confidence, and everyone wants to be part of it."

McAllister worked closely with Johnson at Bristol City and was asked why he believed the Black Cats' Head Coach could succeed where so many have struggled over the last decade.

"He's just got a really clear vision when it comes to his philosophy and how he wants to play," McAllister explained.

"How he delivers his sessions and how he gets the best out of his players is a real strength of his.

"He develops players and manages them one to one [really well], and he's always open to players knocking on his door which I think is a big thing.

"He's always wanting to learn himself. He uses technology and data and is good on that side of things.

"It's a huge club with huge expectations, we know we should be in a higher place than what we are.

"It will take [lots] of small steps to get there and we will get there."

McAllister said the takeover of the club by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has been 'massive' in providing clarity, and has been an integral part of Johnson's recent success.

"It needed an injection of love and focus, and a real style/playing philosophy to take it forward," he said.

"We've done that in the short term but it's about building on that."