Sunderland are at the beginning of a new era. New owners have arrived as has a new manager. Players are leaving and new ones are coming in. When this kind of turnover happens, especially for a club in League One, it often takes time for everything to come together. However, one thing that does remain a constant is their magnificent support. Around 22,000 season tickets have already been sold.

The last time the Black Cats were in League One, in the 1987/88 season, it took time for things to come together. At one point they were mid-table after a disappointing home defeat. They ended up winning the League One (Division Three back then) title.

New Era at Sunderland

A recent friendly at non-league Darlington ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat. The team consisted of several new players and youngsters. However, some seem ready to press the panic button. The Black Cats have lost several high profile high earners so far with more on their way. This was a necessity to bring the club’s huge wage bill down. Once most have gone, Jack Ross will have more funds and wages to use to build his squad. Unfortunately, these things take time.

And let us not forget that at this stage, it is all about building fitness and new players forming relationships on the pitch.

With the new season beginning next month, a lot of work needs to be done in a short space of time. However, the club appear to be doing all they can to make the coming season as successful as possible.

Outgoings

Many players on Premier League/Championship wages had to be moved on. Some didn’t want to play in League One and some were simply on too high a wage to justify keeping them. A wage bill the size of Sunderland’s could not be sustained in England’s third tier and an overhaul in the playing squad was always going to happen. After what has happened in recent seasons, this could and should be seen as a good thing.

The following have either gone or are on their way.

Jack Rodwell – Gone

Jack Rodwell finally left after advising the club that he didn’t want to play for them. That was last season. He was, however, still happy to collect £70,000 per week and refuse moves away. Best for all concerned that he has gone.

Wahbi Khazri – Going

Saint-Etienne appear to be in pole position to capture the Tunisian international. The Black Cats are expected to get around £7 million for him, which could rise with add-ons

John O’Shea – Gone

Signed for Reading after his contract had expired. The veteran defender had been at the club for a number of years and had been involved in various relegation fights and two successive relegations.

Lamine Konè – Going

Centre back Konè could be out of the door soon. The Ivorian has made no secret of his desire to leave the Stadium of Light. Several clubs are reportedly interested; however, agreeing a fee could be a sticking point. He is a high earner but his performances over the last year or two have not impressed.

Papy Djilobodji – Going

A £8 million signing from Chelsea two years ago. The defender has not impressed, has looked nothing like an £8 million defender and has recently been out on loan. However, his performances while on loan could secure a move.

Billy Jones- Gone

Right-back Jones was released after his contract expired. Had his moments in a red and white shirt including scoring against rivals Newcastle. His time at Sunderland will not be looked at as a success.

Jason Steele – Gone

Signed last summer from Blackburn Rovers £500,000. Had a nightmare home debut in a 5-0 friendly defeat to Celtic. Performances got worse and he lost his place. Brighton took him for free at the beginning of the summer.

Bryan Oviedo – Going

It appears that the Costa Rica international will be on his way this summer. He signed in January 2017 and has been a part of two relegations. The left-back played at the World Cup and should be able to find a new club.

Joel Asoro – Going

Swansea City have had a £2 million bid accepted. The promising Swedish Under-21 international has just one year left on his contract and has told the club that he doesn’t wish to play in League One. Talks are in progress and the deal could be completed soon.

Players Must Want to Play

Sunderland need players who want to be at the club. Moving on those without the desire or fight for League One or the unwillingness to play for the shirt had to be moved on. Keeping anyone who does not want to play for the club would be dangerous. The Black Cats are desperate to get promotion at the first time of asking. They need everyone pulling in the same direction to do this.

Incomings

With wages limited due to high earners still being at the club and transfers unfortunately taking time, several free transfers have arrived. However, this is not an indication that the players arriving are not good enough. More players are expected in the coming weeks, be it free transfers or players who command a fee.

Jon Mclaughlin

Signed from Hearts for free. Has plenty of League One experience having previously played for Bradford and Burton. Part of the successful Hearts defence that kept a record eight clean sheets last season.

Tom Flanagan

Free transfer from Burton Albion. The defender was part of Albion’s defence that was promoted to the Championship in 2016. The versatile Northern Ireland international has signed a two-year contract.

Dylan McGeouch

The much sought after midfielder signed after his contract expired at Hibernian. The ex-Celtic player was part of the Hibs side that won the Scottish Cup in 2016. His performances for Hibs led to him becoming a Scotland international.

Alim Ozturk

Well known to new manager Jack Ross after they worked together at Hearts. He signed on a free transfer after leaving Turkish side Boluspor. He was given the captain’s armband at Hearts and is a Turkey U21 international.

Chris Maguire

The midfielder, who can also play as a forward, has joined from Bury. The former Aberdeen and Derby County player has signed a two-year deal. Has League One experience and scored 17 goals for Oxford during the 2016/17 season. He is a player with flair and passion with the ability to score goals.

Reece James

The former Manchester United left-back played for Wigan Athletic last season as they secured promotion from League One. The attack-minded defender was signed on a free transfer.

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