Former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has recently given an interview with BBC pundit Nick Barnes.
Tony Mowbray made a welcomed public appearance recently, speaking with fans and pundits following his recent battle with bowel cancer.
The 60-year-old Mowbray was sacked by Sunderland in December 2023 despite having guided the Black Cats to a top six finish in the Championship in 2022/23.
Sunderland were in 9th place of the table when Mowbray was axed. He then took charge of Birmingham City for a brief spell before illness meant he had to step down.
But Mowbray certainly goes down as a very well-liked former Sunderland boss, with that top six finish in 2022/23 coming straight after the club were promoted from League One.
The Black Cats had a good team that year, albeit not a spectacular one, arguably over-achieving by finishing in 6th.
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Tony Mowbray says Sunderland players ‘a joy to work with’, names Luke O’Nien first
Speaking with Nick Barnes on Total Sport, Mowbray spoke about his Stadium of Light exit, and how much he liked the first-team squad at the time.
He began listing players who he enjoyed working with and the first name that came to his mind was fan favourite Luke O’Nien.
Mowbray said of his Sunderland departure: “It was a blow because I was enjoying it so much. I have to say, that group of players is a joy to work with.
“The O’Niens of this world. The Trai Humes. The [Anthony] Pattersons. The [Patrick] Roberts. The [Jack] Clarkes, as it was at the time. The Dan Neils. They’re brilliant lads.”
Mowbray added: “I regret not having the opportunity to take them and try and be better than we were that year where we got to the play-offs.”
Dennis Cirkin’s comments prove how important Luke O’Nien is at Sunderland
For O’Nien to be the first player to pop into Mowbray’s mind when reminiscing about the Sunderland players speaks volumes about the defender.
He’s long been thought to have a huge impact off the pitch, but this season he’s shown his class on the pitch as well.
Sunderland fans think O’Nien keeps his spot in the XI despite the return of Dan Ballard to fitness, showing how highly thought of O’Nien is.
And recent comments from Dennis Cirkin reiterate how big an influence O’Nien has in the dressing room.
Cirkin said of O’Nien: “It goes so under the radar how much of an effect he has on the team, on the individuals, on everyone around the club. He’s a big character in the dressing room helping everyone out.”
O’Nien is out of contract in 2026. He’ll be 30 years old soon but despite his age, he’s surely one that the club will want to keep around for the longer-term.