Last season he played 12 games centrally and 12 games on the left. Just thought I’d include him as we’ve been linked, we probably need a more out and out winger
Was mentioned about us & a Uruguay club, European club would be way forward, way were bringing in that much young talent be idea if KLD owned a feeder club we could purchase players into, get them games then transfer here, likewise can send players there too An agreement with a couple of clubs wouldn't go a miss either
Interesting the Clarke stuff has stepped up. There was a lot of talk towards the end of June that he was expected to leave. When that comes from within, it's normally a matter of time.
It’ll be a really sad day when Neil departs like. Quality player who loves Sunderland. He’d be so tough to replace too.
There is always a lot of talk about Clarke every window, he hasn't left in the others windows just hope he doesn't this window. If he does hopefully we get good money for him
If Clarke is on his way now, I'm not anticipating a replacement in the traditional sense, we have recruited for succession planning with the likes of Jewi, Mundle, Rusyn, Ba etc We might bring in another winger, but that would be more succession planning, rather than a direct Clarke replacement. This is how we do things now, love it or hate it.
Would have been nice to keep him for another year but if we get a big offer it might be better for all parties just to move on, someone else in this squad will emerge as a match winner.
This is the quandary facing the club now tho. Do they pull the trigger on Mendy for £3m or wait until Clarke is sold for £25m and use it to go out and spend £8-10m on a striker like Coventry did with Simms.
They might fancy Mendy + another. I know there’s forwards already at the club but have they done much so far? Absolutely not. Interesting few weeks ahead though, that’s for sure.
Be sad to see Clarke go if he does, it's an absolute must we get the most money possible for him. Replacing Clarke isn't just about his goals but also his general play. One of the best ball carriers in the division, 2nd for successful dribbles per 90 in the division, 8th highest xA in the division, 7th for chances created. In terms of replacing his goals I would look to sign a forward or 2 instead of looking for a goalscoring winger. Clarke scored 15 last season, if you can get a replacement winger to chip in with 5 and sign a forward who can get you 15 then we are better off. Very, very difficult player to replace but it's much easier to do with £15m+ to play with than it was trying to replace Amad with £0.
Potentially. But Mendy is probably the wrong profile to be second choice striker though. If it was me I’d go ahead and sign Mendy and then use the Clarke money to sign somebody like Stansfield.
The only one who has hope out of that is Mundle for me. Even then, it's a stretch. Mundle has meant to have been unbelievable all through pre season, behind closed doors though. Rusyn, I just don't know where he should play. Seems to have the composure of a wet blanket.
Good post. I think we will see Mundle get a lot of games. I do think he can carry us up the pitch quickly.
absolutely this. There’s a hope of course that Mundle with a full pre season behind him and under a proper coach, is able to fill the position on the pitch if not replace the goals.
Hasn't settled or looked sure of himself at any point. The way he runs is panicked, always frenzied. Strange one.
I'd be surprised if this sale escalates our recruitment to those kinds of figures, I suspect if he goes we'll see a slew of new contracts (Huggins, Neil, Cirkin, Ba, Ekwah).
