KRISTJAAN Speakman has praised the work of Tony Mowbray at Sunderland and, despite the club suffering play-off disappointment, believes the foundations are in place for the Black Cats to further build and improve next season.

Sunderland enjoyed a brilliant first campaign back in the Championship, securing a top six place on the final day of the season before eventually being edged out in the play-offs by Luton Town.

The season was all the more impressive considering the setbacks they had to deal with along the way, with former boss Alex Neil leaving for Stoke in August and a number of key players suffering serious injuries.

Mowbray replaced Neil and did a superb job on Wearside, guiding the Black Cats to the unlikely top six finish against the odds.

Now the dust has settled on the season, sporting director Speakman has told of his delight at how the campaign played and his early optimism for next season.

"We're really really pleased with where the club has got to, the position we got to, the performance of the players and staff," he said.

"The reflection is still going on. It's still quite raw to get so close to a second successive Wembley final but we're super happy with where we got to and we're really, really geared up to build on it next year.

"Most of all it's representative of the club. The club is moving along at such an incredible pace at the minute on and off the pitch. That's really pleasing and it bodes well for the future."

Despite Mowbray's fine work at the Stadium of Light since his August arrival, there's been uncertainty surrounding the head coach's future, with the Black Cats linked with other managers in recent weeks.

While Speakman didn't specifically address Mowbray's position in an interview with the club, he was effusive in his praise of the head coach's work - particularly with the manner in which he dealt with the various setbacks across the course of the season.

He said: "With Tony, head coach, coaching staff and support staff, they've gone about their business in a really professional manner.

"They've soaked up the adversity and issues that naturally crop up in a season. That's been communicated down to the players who have been first class in their approach. We've probably had some adversity you don't want and been unlucky at times but nobody has felt sorry for themselves and that attitude to try and achieve regardless of circumstances means we exceed expectations.

"Ultimately it's a really good platform to go on and try to achieve more.

"Top teams and business perform well under adversity and pressure. We're always going to come under scrutiny because we're such a big football club and it means so much to so many people. Everyone has embraced that."