And the ex-Black Cats goalkeeper is confident his former side can flourish in the top-flight provided they hang on to the never-say-die attitude that powered them through the play-offs.
Gordon had an emotional afternoon at Tynecastle yesterday as Sunderland were the visitors for his testimonial fixture.
Things could hardly have gone better from a Hearts perspective, with Gordon’s current employers winning 3-0, but the 42-year-old felt Sunderland’s below-par display owed much to the fact that they were a couple of weeks behind their opponents in terms of physical preparations.
“It wasn’t their [Sunderland] day today, but you could just tell they were a few weeks behind us,” said Gordon, who spent five years on Wearside between 2007-12, making 95 senior appearances for the Black Cats. “In a couple of weeks’ time, I’m sure they’ll be ready to go.
“It was brilliant to get Sunderland to come up. It was a huge part of my career. Sunderland fans always back the team regardless. Whatever league they’re in, they come out in numbers, they travel and they create a great atmosphere.
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“It wasn’t a great day for them losing three goals. You could tell they were a little bit frustrated by that – but they’ll be there at the start of the season getting behind the lads to go and have a successful season and stay in the league.”
Gordon watched last season’s play-off campaign as a Sunderland fan, and was impressed with his former side’s resilience and spirit as they battled their way past Coventry City and Sheffield United to win promotion.
“I watched the final,” he said. “I watched all the games in the play-offs and they really fought for each other to get through those games.
“They were so difficult even to get to the play-off final, the two games they had against Coventry. At the play-off final, they were probably second best, if we’re honest, for most of the game – but they find a way to win and they’re going to need that spirit again for this season. If they can find that and keep that going, then I think that will help them.”
Gordon started yesterday’s game in the Hearts goal, but came off in the very first minute in a pre-arranged move.
The veteran is suffering from an injury that will keep him out of the start of the Scottish season, and Hearts’ medical staff warned him against playing for too long.
He concurred with their instructions, even if he was never going to spend the whole of his big day sitting on the sidelines.
“I was talking [to Patrick Roberts] before the game,” said Gordon. “I told him I was playing for about ten seconds, and he just laughed.
“I wished him all the best for the season, and he told me he was coming on after 60 or 70 minutes, so he was going to play the last part of the game. We just wished each other well for the season because I want Sunderland to do well.”