Ex-Sunderland boss Peter Reid says the Black Cats "belong" in the Premier League as they prepare for their Championship play-off semi-final against another of his former clubs, Coventry City.
Reid was in charge at the Stadium of Light between 1995-2002, twice leading the club to promotion from the second tier during that time.
And although he also spent a brief spell with the Sky Blues, Reid is firmly behind Regis Le Bris' side.
"I had a great time there [at Sunderland], the people are magnificent - it's just, let's be honest, a great football club," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.