https://www.sunderlandecho.com/spor...-with-sunderland-s-wantaway-players-1-9228951 Jack Ross says that the situation is not ‘black and white’ with a number of players presumed to be wanting out of Sunderland this summer. The Black Cats’ squad returned for pre-season training on Wednesday, with a number mulling over their future. Sunderland boss Jack Ross. Picture by Kevin Brady Chairman Stewart Donald has said that a number of agents have told the club that their clients would like to leave, but Ross believes some can be talked into staying. He has been encouraged with the feedback at the Academy of Light this week and says some players have expressed a desire to put the club back where it belongs. Ross said: “Apart from those ones who got a little bit extra time off [everyone is back]. “I understood what Stewart was saying, speaking to players in here, I think there’s probably quite a few for who it is not quite black and white. “There are some who it is and that’s fine, but there’s others, when you have conversations relayed through third parties, it’s not always as clear. “Agents and representatives have their own job to do in terms of promoting players and where they might take them, but speaking to players face to face has been good. “There’s quite a few who like it and enjoy it, and some who have said to me, they’ve been part of the demise in the last couple of years, they don’t want to shy away from that and so are eager to try and take it back up. “So it’s important to stress that, and it’s up to me to try to foster that throughout the squad.” Sunderland have a handful of players who they are eager to move due to their high salaries, and a group whose future is uncertain. Ross will get the chance to assess both their abilities and their desire to stay in the coming weeks. He believes that he will be able to keep those who can make a difference next season. The Sunderland boss admits, however, that he cannot yet be sure which players will be staying ahead of the new campaign. He said: “If we’re in a position where we offload some who are desperate to go and have been on Premier League contracts, then it allows us to be comfortable in the sense of carrying some who are really good players. “That’s determined by their hunger to stay and the ones I’ve worked with so far, I’ve not seen any suggestion that they’re not keen. “But it is very fluid at the moment and it is very difficult for me to predict what team I’ll have at the start of the season.” Read more at: https://www.sunderlandecho.com/spor...-with-sunderland-s-wantaway-players-1-9228951
Kone despite his hit and miss performances has had a much quieter more humble approach since we went down from the Premier League. I wonder if he's one of these who are feeling responsible? His agent has been quiet too given what with there being so little rumour about him. He's a curiosity is Kone. Full of personality with the #TeamKone at the start. Showed his nasty side then we've not heard a peep.
I agree, he's looked half asleep for 18 month, played like he's spaced out. He'll go if there's interest but I couldn't see anyone wanting him, his star has fallen dramatically.
I like jack Ross, his attitude comes over as very matter of fact, and positive, good vibes. On the Kone issue, he wont get the money he is earning here, as easily elsewhere, and this may be a factor in any decisions. I like him as a player, but he is not anywhere near as good as he looked when he first arrived. There are still glimpses of class every now and again, but we are paying top dollar for some average performances, which are sadly the norm. He might prosper with a better partner than JoS, though, and his value might well increase as a consequence.
I like what our new manager says and obviously he's not able to name names just yet as to whose staying /going, which must be very frustrating for him. Time is moving on, though, and they're off to Portugal shortly and the new season starts five weeks today, so for Ross's sake I hope that he knows what's what player wise very quickly and can start the new season on the front foot and avoid having to play catch up. Busy times ahead for our new management team.
What a task Ross has got on his hands to get this squad sorted out. Some managers think they have a tough job when they take over at an already decent side and only get 30 mil to spend instead of 60. Doesn't seem to be fazing him at all though and everyone involved in the management side knew what they were getting themselves into. Can't wait to watch the first game.
Keep Honeyman Gooch and Asoro for me. Not bothered about the others to be fair. Kone on his day can be class and should be comfortably the best centre half in League one but the again he should have been comfortably the best centre half in the championship so I don't really care if he stays or goes.
To me of any of these lads you mention want to go then let them go providing we get our price. Tired of anyone not wanting to play for the club. They just to want to play for their agents....f*ck them.
Think we might have to frustratingly loan Kone and Djilobodji out this season to shift their wages. Could even happen with Ndong too if his agent doesnt wind his neck in
It was, its all about partnerships, and if we can find a partner for him, his value could rocket again, he looked a 15m player once and he could well double his current value with a good season, which would not do us any harm either. This is all idle speculation of course, but it is one possible outcome that would benefit both parties.
