Simon Grayson believes that League One clubs will up their game against the Black Cats next season.

Sunderland were relegated last week after they lost to Burton in a crucial bottom of the table clash.

Since then, major changes have happened with new owners coming in and Chris Coleman being sacked. He joined the club in November to replace Grayson, but was unable to solve the issues plaguing the club.

Grayson is currently the manager of Bradford City who were unable to finish in the play-offs for a third consecutive season, so he will be facing his old club next season.

He had a warning for his old club in an interview with Sky Sports: "You would really think that Sunderland can't go much lower than what's happened at this moment in time and where they are going to be next year."

"There's been some big clubs in League One: Man City, Forest, Leeds United and all found it very difficult to get out of there at the first attempt, so it's going to be an FA Cup final for all the teams playing against them week in and week out and ultimately it's tough to do."

The Verdict

Grayson is right to point out the mental effect playing against a relegated big team can have on the other teams in the division due to them representing a different challenge. Some of this probably comes from his own personal feelings towards the club because he is sure to be relishing the chance of facing them in the league next season with the Bantams.

The Black Cats do appear to be making the necessary changes, though, with new owners coming in who have a good reputation. They obviously want to stamp their mark on the club as well because they want their own candidate as manager, so there are promising signs in what has been a terrible period for the club.