Ian Harte claims promotion for Sunderland in an exclusive interview that receives praise from Danny Rohl and Sheffield United.

Ian Harte claims promotion for Sunderland in an exclusive interview that receives praise from Danny Rohl and Sheffield United.

Speaking only to Football League World, Ian Harte discussed his opinions on Sunderland’s season opening performance as well as his picks for promotion, which included Sheffield United and Leeds United.

Thus far, Sunderland has experienced a relatively quiet but effective window. In the last week of the window, more will be revealed, although Blondy Nna Noukeu, Ian Poveda, Simon Moore, and Alan Browne have strengthened their positions in advance of the season. Maybe the smartest Sunderland business decision to date is to keep Jack Clarke on board.

There were certain to be a lot of changes taking place behind the scenes at the Stadium of Light following a lacklustre season of stagnation in the second division, culminating in 16th place in the league. Long- and short-term plans for several players were also up for discussion.

Having a roster full of pre-peak players has its advantages for Sunderland because there’s a good possibility a few of them may advance to the next level in terms of their individual player development. All it takes for a handful of them to reach a sharp development curve is for the team’s floor level to increase, and their performances to improve.

The team was managerless for several months at the close of the previous season, thus, Le Bris’ hiring has also provided some stability. Even though there are worries about what will happen to their star player, Clarke, their start to the league season has also instilled optimism in the fan base.

In the 2007–08 season, Ian Harte made eight appearances for the Black Cats, albeit his tenures at Leeds United and Reading are likely more well-known. Though the Irishman is now an agent for football and has long since retired, he still has faith in his old team’s prospects in this season’s thrilling and competitive second division. Clarke is represented by this agent.

Ian Harte discusses his other top picks for Championship promotion, including Sunderland

Sunderland has had an outstanding start to the new season, winning their first two league games against Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff City by a combined score of six goals to none.

Under Le Bris, there is a newfound sense of hope at the Stadium of Light. We asked Harte about his expectations for them this season, as well as which teams outside of Leeds he thinks have the best chance of advancing. The 46-year-old is keeping an eye on Sheffield United, who, under Chris Wilder, may be a very interesting team.

Harte expressed optimism about Sunderland’s prospects for promotion, although he refrained from discussing the future of his client, Jack Clarke.

“The new manager has come in, and to win the first two difficult games—away at Cardiff with a clean sheet, and at home the other day against Sheffield Wednesday—is great,” Harte stated in an exclusive interview with Football League World via Free Bets.

“The manager of Sheffield Wednesday is also excellent, I must add.

“Sunderland were excellent, well-prepared, and got off to a great start in the match.

“They quickly scored three goals to take the lead away from Sheffield on Wednesday.

“Sunderland will have strength, but so will Sheffield United. They did a great job at hiring.

“I believe that season (for those sides) will be good and interesting. I’m eagerly anticipatingit.”