Sunderland club captain Luke O’Nien has spoken about his ‘incredible’ conversation with Niall Quinn.
The Black Cats recorded a brilliant win at the Stadium of Light at the weekend as Regis Le Bris’ side won 2-1 against Norwich City, despite being a goal down at the interval.
Dan Ballard popped up with a crucial goal to get on the end of Eliezer Mayenda’s floated cross, and the dying minutes in the second half saw Jobe Bellingham shift the ball onto his favoured right foot and make no mistake in finding the far corner from an acute angle.
It was an impeccable effort from Le Bris’ side to complete the comeback. To make things better, it was done so in front of Niall Quinn, who watched the game from the stands.
Sunderland legend Quinn has surrounded himself in the club the past week, which saw him have an in-depth conversation with Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien.
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Sunderland defender Luke O’Nien on why he ‘enjoyed’ time with Niall Quinn
Sunderland full-back O’Nien has played a quintessential role in the club’s reassurance from the third tier, and he has been crucial in ensuring that the Black Cats are in a position where they can be quietly confident about a potential promotion push.
As a result of his commitments to the club, there were never any doubts over whether he would connect with Sunderland legend Quinn, to which it sounds as though the conversation between the two has left O’Nien with so much respect for the man that notched 208 appearances for the Black Cats.
Outlining his conversation with Quinn, per Sunderland Echo, O’Nien said: “He’s incredible. I know the history and what he’s done not just for this football club but the area and I spent a good hour with him, just speaking to him and we’re going to connect in the new year.
“He does a lot of work in America and in mentoring, and I’m strong on that side of it, so there may be an overlap in what we do to mentor and help develop players. I really enjoyed my time with him, he’s incredible.
“I’d never really spoken with him before, that was our longest conversation. He’s a very busy man and when he comes to the club everyone wants to talk to Quinny. It’s the most amount of time I’ve been able to spend with him and it was really nice.
“He’s a great man who has done an incredible amount for the club and he’s having a huge impact now in mentoring.
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Feel-good factor at Sunderland is having positive impact on the pitch
Sunderland currently find themselves flying high in 4th position in the Championship league table, and there is no doubting that this season so far has been a resounding success for Le Bris’ side.
The feel good factor has certainly been restored in Wearside, compared to last season, where spirits and optimism were down the drain, as Sunderland legends are coming to the games and chatting with the current ranks, as well as the fact that there is a clear and tangible bond between all the players.
This current Sunderland side have the potential to go places this season, and much of that comes down to the mentality in side that has been perfect since Le Bris’ arrival.