Despite a backlash from supporters after his exit, Mowbray said he holds no grudges against Sunderland chiefs.

"For whatever reason, the club wanted to change. I accepted it," he said.

"The ownership model is what it is. They wanted to make brave decisions. It is football, I understand it; Sunderland is a great club and the people of Sunderland are like me: honest, hard-working, grafters."

Mowbray was born in Middlesbrough before going on to captain and manage the club. He admitted some fans, and family members, couldn't understand why he took the job at Championship side Sunderland, but he did it to be close to home.

"Sunderland was the team down the road, and some Middlesbrough fans, including my 14-year-old son, found it difficult that I could [manage them].

"My life-work balance was important. At Blackburn, I was two and a half hours away from my doorstep, seeing my kids grow up twice a week for five years.

"I made a call when the Sunderland job was offered; I could live at home, see my family every night, eat with them and, occasionally, take them to school. The rivalry of a local derby went out the window."

Since his arrival, Mowbray has won three games in all competitions with the Blues.