CARL WINCHESTER can sense a buzz of excitement around the city of Sunderland ahead of this weekend’s return to the Championship.

After a four-year exile in League One, the Black Cats will return to the second tier when they host Coventry City at the Stadium of Light on Sunday lunchtime.

May’s play-off final win saw more than 40,000 Sunderland fans descend on Wembley, and with the take-up of season tickets having exceeded expectations, a huge crowd is guaranteed at the weekend.

Winchester can sense the anticipation building, and is hoping he and his team-mates can deliver a performance and result befitting of the occasion.

“The whole city seems to be on an up, and that’s good,” said the Northern Irishman. “The fans deserve it because, the past couple of years, they have been through a lot. They deserve it. They deserve Wembley, and they deserve Championship football, so we’re just happy to bring that to them.

“It’s an opportunity for each and every player to show everyone what they are capable of in the Championship. We know it’s going to be tough, but I believe we have a squad that’s able to compete in it because we have a lot of quality. We’re all ready to go, the last (pre-season) game is done and dusted, and now it’s on to Sunday.”

Winchester played as one of three centre-halves as Sunderland completed their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw at Hartlepool United on Monday night, and while he was initially signed as a midfielder when he moved from Forest Green in January 2021, Alex Neil appears to regard the 29-year-old as more of a defensive option.

He could slot in at right-back if Neil was to stick with a flat back four, and while his versatility might sometimes count against him, it should ensure he remains a valuable part of the squad throughout the forthcoming season.

“The gaffer seems to like me back there (in defence), so I’m happy to play anywhere for this club,” said Winchester. “It’s a massive club and opportunity for me. Obviously, the Championship is a massive league, and an opportunity for a lot of players.

“I need to prove myself out there, and a lot of the younger lads in the team will be looking to do the same. It’s my first time playing in the Championship, so it’s one I’m really excited for.

“Obviously, it’s a bit step up for a lot of us, we are no mugs, but we have quality in the squad and will hopefully add another couple of players, and then we’ll be competing.”