The latest edition of the Sunderland weekly round-up takes a look at the latest news from Stadium of Light. Including the latest transfer news ahead of the window closing on Monday night. Plus, there has been fresh news regarding the ongoing takeover saga. We also look back at another away win but also the disappointment of more points dropped at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Two Deals Done and Latest Takeover News
Latest Takeover Talk
According to the Sunderland Echo, the Sunderland takeover saga has reportedly been delayed by the Football League. The report suggests that the EFL want assurances from current owner Stewart Donald and shareholder Juan Sartori that they will continue to fund the club along with potential new owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. It is understood that as part of the takeover, both Stewart and Sartori will continue to own shares in the club. Once the EFL have their assurances, the deal could be then given the green light.
Will Grigg on the Move?
Sunderland flop Will Grigg could be set to move on this transfer window. The Northern Ireland international has failed to produce the form or goals that saw the Black Cats spend £3 million two years ago. Without a single goal so far this season, a move could suit all concerned. Shrewsbury Town appear to be the current front-runners; however, other Football League clubs have taken an interest.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Three New Players Arrive
Lee Johnson has added three new players to his squad. Left-back Jake Vokins has arrived on loan from Southampton, winger Jordan Jones joins from Rangers on loan and striker Ross Stewart signed a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee from Ross County.
Johnson had made little secret of his desire to bring in reinforcements this month. Vokins, Jones and Stewart follow midfielder Carl Winchester who signed earlier in the transfer window from Forest Green Rovers.
New Signings Can’t Wait to Get Started
Johnson wanted more options in the final third of the field with the Black Cats struggling to break teams down despite dominating possession in most games. Tricky winger Jordan Jones will be hoping to supply the strikers, contribute goals himself and also entertain the fans.
Speaking to the club’s official website following his arrival, Jones said: “I’m absolutely over the moon and I’m delighted to be here. I know what football means to people in the North East and how much Sunderland means to the supporters, so hopefully, I can bring them some entertainment and good results.”
Defender Vokins will also be expected to help out in attack and the 20-year-old is looking forward to getting started. He said: “I’m good on the ball and I can deliver crosses, so hopefully that allows the team to score more goals. It’s a big club and I can’t wait to get started.”
Johnson Delighted to Have Signed Striker
Head coach Lee Johnson will be delighted with all of his new signings; however, it could be striker Ross Stewart that he is most pleased to now have in his squad. Charlie Wyke is currently the only striker at the club who has been scoring goals and Stewart’s arrival will take the burden off him and also give Johnson another option in attack.
Following the completion of the deal, Johnson said: “I think Ross is a player that will be great for us in the short term, but he can also develop and improve over the long term. He’s at a good age, he’s very fit and quick, and he obviously has good height as well, so he has all attributes to succeed. We are very pleased to welcome him to the club.”
Victory at Ipswich Town
The Black Cats travelled to Ipswich Town in midweek and returned with their unbeaten away record intact. A first-half strike from in-form forward Charlie Wyke secured the three points. Ipswich striker Kayden Jackson received a straight red card early in the game following a horror tackle on defender Bailey Wright.
Once again, Lee Johnson’s men struggled to create clear cut chances; however, as has been the norm of late away from home, Sunderland defended well once they had the lead. The solitary goal from Wyke was enough to seal the win.
Sunderland Weekly Round-Up: Points Dropped at Home to Gillingham
Sunderland endured yet another frustrating time at their home the Stadium of Light on Saturday. The Black Cats’ form at home has been inconsistent all season and against Gillingham, they dropped more points in their chase of those at the top of the table.
Twice Sunderland led but twice they allowed the visitors back into the game. Aiden McGeady gave the Black Cats the lead but Gillingham who were creating the better chances, made one count to equalise. Grant Leadbitter restored the lead, scoring the rebound following his penalty being saved.
Chances came at both ends following the break but Gillingham still appeared to be the more likely to score. And score they did. As the game neared its end and it looking like Sunderland had done just enough to secure three points, the away side scored to take appoint away with them.
By the end Lee Johnson was understandably frustrated with his team: He said: “As a squad and as a team, we’ve got to deal with moments in the game better than we did today.
“We started bright and ended the first half bright, but there was a spell in the middle where we didn’t cope. We gave away too many fouls and played into the opposition hands. There were too many free kicks [given away], we know it’s coming in so why bother?
“We may as well force them into showing their quality, rather than lump a long, high ball directly down our throat. They’d hit the post so we’d had the warning. That’s when you need communication and characters.”
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