David Moyes to take Sunderland squad for team bonding holiday to New York City
Black Cats to hit Big Apple for four nights after Saturday's game with Southampton
DAVID MOYES is taking his Sunderland strugglers on a four-night team-bonding trip to NEW YORK.
The Black Cats will jet off to the Big Apple after Saturday’s home game with Southampton.
That is their last fixture for a fortnight, having been knocked out of the FA Cup.
Moyes believes a mini mid-season break in the popular American tourist spot will help bring his relegation-threatened squad closer together.
He has a packed itinerary planned, including visits to NBA basketball and NHL ice hockey matches.
Sunderland will also do some training – largely fitness work - while they are out there.
The Black Cats are on a high after their 4-0 weekend win at relegation rivals Crystal Palace.
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They remain bottom of the table but are now only two points adrift of safety.
Moyes signed his ex-Everton players Joleon Lescott, Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson last month.
The Sunderland boss has already seen signs that the new boys have improved his dressing room.
And he hopes the New York jaunt will help them get to know their team-mates even better.
Moyes once took his old Everton side to the Big Apple and saw them benefit from the break.
Premier League clubs who are out of the FA Cup often use fifth-round week to go away.
Dubai is a popular destination of choice and some sides are visiting there again next week.
But Moyes favours a sight-seeing trip to a culture-packed city as a way to build team spirit.