GARY Megson claims people are now waking up to the fact Wanderers are not just a route one side.

Having been labelled with the long ball tag for longer than most fans care to remember – the Whites boss hopes onlookers are finally coming round to the fact that his team can play with the best of them.

Ten goals in their five games in November have certainly helped to change opinion – not least in Saturday’s 4-1 demolition of lowly Sunderland.

And while Megson is keen to hold on to the values which established Wanderers as a top flight force, he is pleased that their current climb up the table is being accomplished with some degree of style.

“We have always been honest and organised,” the manager said. “We are trying to change things a little bit and people are starting to realise that we do put our foot on the ball and try to look for gaps.

“There needs to be a change. We can play 4-4-2, we can try different formations with the players I have got – and because of that, they are a great bunch to work with.”

The only hiccup for Megson and his side at the Stadium of Light came with the half-time withdrawal of goalscorer Matty Taylor.

“It isn’t a huge problem – he just felt his thigh a bit,” the manager said.

“I’d love to have Bibi Gardner in the team and fortunately for me we have got a great deal of choice.

“Matty has got four goals in 10 games now and he is starting to get the headlines. He is starting to become the player we knew he could be.”

Megson also handed local boy and lifelong Sunderland fan Chris Basham his first team debut in the dying moments – but denied that he is going soft in his old age.

“I have always been sentimental,” the manager smiled. “I just get a reputation for certain things and don’t recognise myself. I knew if we got a decent result that we would get him on today.

“Chris follows the football club intently and I’m really delighted he could come on, even if it was for two minutes towards the end of the game. It was fantastic for him.”