Tony Mowbray proud of how far Sunderland have come despite play-off semi-final defeat

Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray was frustrated a season of such promise ended in defeat.

The Black Cats were promoted to the Championship via the play-offs last May and Mowbray said: "I'm frustrated but very proud of the players, the team and the city of Sunderland. We'll get stronger and we'll be back next season.

"I've only been here nine months and these players have given everything they've got.

"I'm proud of these young lads who week in, week out have given what they've got.

"We came out of League One and maybe consolidation is what people were thinking about.

"We've managed to punch above mediocrity. We've come close but unfortunately we've fallen short tonight.

"I think the league will be stronger next season. We have to keep building and growing and get better."

Mowbray acknowledged that his quest for a second successive promotion was not helped by injuries.

"We've had huge losses of some very, very important footballers," he said. (Captain) Corry Evans, the centre-forward who scores all the goals (Ross Stewart) and three centre-halves.

"They've performed really well and I'm proud of them."