Sunderland manager Simon Grayson is seeking for a Stadium of Light ‘feel-good factor’ when they entertain Sheffield United on Saturday, via The Chronicle Live.

The Black Cats picked up one win and two draws from their opening three Championship games of the campaign, although a 2-0 defeat at home to Leeds United followed by a 3-0 loss at Barnsley has stunted their momentum, and leaves them without a victory at the Stadium of Light.

In fact, you have to go all the way back to the middle of December for the last time Sunderland won at home, beating Watford 1-0 a week before Christmas, and the Stadium of Light faithful have since then endured a torrid time watching their side, having failed to see a home win in 13 attempts in league and cup.

However, former Preston chief Grayson, who took over back in June, is hoping to change their fortunes at home, starting with the visit of Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United on Saturday.

He said: ‘Hopefully we can get that feel-good factor. We’re trying to create that atmosphere.’

These comments are sure to intrigue Black Cats supporters, who saw their side draw 1-1 against Derby County on the opening day before suffering defeat to Leeds a few weeks ago, in their only two home matches of the campaign thus far.

Yet the Stadium of Light faithful will be hoping to finally end that lengthy drought against the Blades this weekend.

The Verdict: Sunderland have played 13 home matches since their last victory at the Stadium of Light, meaning they have yet to taste success in the North East this calendar year.

Thus, it was hardly a surprise that the Black Cats suffered relegation last term, yet new manager Simon Grayson is hoping to bring a 'feel-good factor' back to the Stadium of Light for the coming season, with he likely knowing full well how important home form is in the Championship.

They’ve only played twice at home this term but remain winless, and Grayson will likely be aware that they need to record that first win sooner rather than later to get the monkey off their backs, and thus reduce the pressure ahead of the rest of the campaign.

Sunderland fans… what do you make of the news? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!