AFTER a little more than three years, Adam Matthews must finally feel like he is getting somewhere at Sunderland.

After two loan spells, the prospect of leaving permanently, two relegations and even a pay cut, the Welsh defender is now enjoying his best spell as a Black Cats player; albiet two divisions lower than what he signed up for.

But Matthews’ situation mirrors the club’s signs of revival in many respects. A full-back that was not well liked by supporters during those last few seasons has suddenly found his way again and he even hopes for an extension to his stay.

And when the 26-year-old capped a strong run of form for Sunderland, notably his best since arriving from Celtic in the summer of 2015, with his first goal of the season against Bristol Rovers on Saturday, there was a huge sense that the fans were delighted for him.

When he headed in the equaliser at the back post in first-half stoppage-time, his celebration in front of the newly-named Roker End at the Stadium of Light was shared with the fans now appreciative of the high standard of performances he is turning in down the right.

If he can keep this up then he could end up with a new deal, just weeks after manager Jack Ross had suggested that Matthews might have to wait until they see what division they will be in next season before a decision can be made on his contract due to expire in the summer.

Matthews said: “I said at the start of the season I was happy to stay and nothing has changed, if anything I want to stay even more now. The management has been great here for me, it’s been enjoyable to be part of things and it’s nice to be playing games.”

When Matthews moved to Sunderland from Celtic he arrived with a rising reputation after a couple of strong years at Celtic. The Wales international struggled with injuries from the off, though, and soon found himself being loaned out to Bristol City on two separate occasions.

He played more in the Championship last season but even then he never looked at ease, and now the defender feels his performances are starting to reach the heights he expected after leaving Scotland.

“I’m definitely happier now,” said Matthews. “Every footballer wants to play games that’s why I came here. I have been out on loan twice, this is the longest run I have had.

“Last season I was back involved, but this season for me to be involved, playing well and happy it feels great. We have the feelgood factor back at this place and I think we will take some stopping.”

While Matthews’ story is a nice personal turnaround to reflect upon, it is also fitting of the way the whole club is enjoying a new renaissance in League One under new management and ownership.

Alongside the new arrivals, on and off the pitch, there are then others who have been around to endure the heartache of relegations and constant disappointment smiling again. The likes of Lee Cattermole, Bryan Oviedo, George Honeyman and Lynden Gooch have all had to feel the effects of the fall from grace, and now suddenly it feels nice to be winning matches regularly.

Matthews said: “The whole attitude around the place has changed. Players want to be here. The main thing was to get the supporters back on side after a really tough few years and they have come on board.

“Hopefully we can keep showing what we have been to keep them supporting us like they are because they deserve it. Hopefully we can get this club back to where it deserves to be for them.

“The past is the past, you need to look forward to what you can achieve in the future. I am happy at Sunderland. If you are achieving, it doesn’t matter what league you are in you can create happy times. Hopefully we can do that this season.”

Even in dreadful conditions at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, supporters turned out in force. There was a crowd of just under 30,000 again and the vibe was a positive one, even after a poor start when Bristol Rovers edged ahead in the 11th minute.

Alex Rodman fired inside the near post after Matthews had initially done well to block an attempt from Tony Craig following a cross that had not been stopped at source from the right.

Sunderland, who have now come from behind to earn at least a point on seven out of eight occasions this season, battled back. They had already wasted a few chances, including one which saw Cattermole hit the bar, when Matthews was on hand to nod in at the back post when Aiden McGeady’s effort had been saved by Jack Bonham.

Matthews said: “I am happy to have scored, but the main thing for me is to help the team out. If I can chip in with a couple more then great but I won’t lose any sleep over it if I am helping the team.

“The new management has been great with everyone. That’s a big part of how we have played. He encourages the full-backs to get forward and we just need a run of games to show everyone what we can do, hopefully I am showing everyone what I am about.”

That equaliser was the result of a fantastic move from back to front, left to right, involving eight Sunderland players. It was followed three minutes after half-time by the winner too.

When Bristol Rovers, without a manager following Darrell Clarke’s departure on Thursday after seven defeats from nine, attacked at the beginning of the half, Sunderland broke quickly. It ended with Maja, taking his tally to 13, coolly beating his man and then Bonham.

In sleet, wind and icy wind chill temperatures, Sunderland fans had something to warm them up and a sixth home win of the season gave further evidence that the Stadium of Light is a nicer place to be these days.

Matthews said: “Everyone who has been here a while can see the atmosphere has changed. That is what happens in football.

“If you don’t win games then people are going to get frustrated. This set of fans deserve a lot more than what they have had served up in last few years.

“This season they have been behind us even when we have not been playing well. I have always said the fans here are fantastic so it is nice we are giving them results now.

“The fans have been brilliant, they always have been really, even last season when we were nowhere near good enough. This season they have sold out every away game and hopefully we can give them what the deserve.”

Sunderland’s victory keeps them within a point of second-placed Luton, and it has closed the gap to leaders Portsmouth, who they face at Fratton Park on Saturday, to five points.

But there was a late scare when Bristol Rovers substitute Steffan Payne got free in the area, beat substitute keeper Robbin Ruiter but was denied by the crossbar. Moments earlier, though, Max Power and Chris Maguire hit the woodwork in quick succession too for the hosts.

Matthews said: “It was tough when you come up against a team who have just sacked their manager. But we got the goal to get back into it and then that goal just after half-time was perfect for us.

“There was only one team going to win it second half. We didn’t play half as well as we could have but the main thing is to get the result.”