With Sunderland looking to secure a third straight win, defender Danny Batth hopes Monday night’s meeting with West Brom can act as the foundations for cementing the Stadium of Light into a fortress this season.
“Our home form is going to be really important going forward in the season so we want to keep improving on that in particular” said the 32-year-old. “On Monday night, it’s a great opportunity to do that.”
Back-to-back wins against Birmingham City and Millwall either side of the World Cup break has seen the Lads climb into the top ten of the Championship table as Tony Mowbray’s side looked to build on recent momentum.
A player which has amassed almost 450 career appearances, Batth is building his own momentum this season having been an ever present in the side playing a lead role in the heart of the defence.
He’s started every league game for the Black Cats and missed just four minutes of competitive league football. Throughout that time, he’s seen growth in the team in their first season back in the Championship. “I think the main thing is that we are developing as a side all of the time and I am enjoying being a part of that” he continued.
“I like to think that I am putting in good performances and helping other players around me which is something I have always tried to do.”
Part of riding that crest of a wave is watching the Lads being backed by an unwavering home support on Wearside which he believes is something they can capitalise on moving forward. The centre-half added: “I love playing at home in front of the support that we’ve got and I’m really enjoying it. I think it’s a great setup and it’s a club moving in the right direction.”
As well as being an ever present this season, the towering defender also played a starring role in last season’s promotion from League One as well as starting in their play-off final win over Wycombe Wanderers.
A man who has the experience that Batth has obtained over the course of his career knows not to take opponents lightly. There is no air of complacency on his part heading into Monday night’s meeting with the Baggies, especially after their recent upturn in form following the appointment of Carlos Corberan as manager.
Batth said: “They’ve definitely improved. They have got good experienced players. Like most of the games in the Championship, it is going to a tough game but it’s another one we get excited about and we looked forward to.”