Sunderland's emergence as Championship promotion candidates does not alter the patient rebuild plan on Wearside, says boss Tony Mowbray.
The Black Cats ended four years in League One, the lowest point in their history, with promotion last term.
This season's form, including Sunday's derby win over Middlesbrough, has put them on the cusp of the play-off spots.
"There's no big expectations from the suits to reach play-offs or promotion," Mowbray told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"We just have to keep trying to produce a football team that can compete in this division and as we build it over the next year or two, the aspirations of the team will get higher.