MICHAEL Gray believes Sunderland need fresh blood in his old position of left-back, as much as they need to boost their forward line. Sunderland remain in the hunt for at least one new striker this summer, with the end of Nicklas Bendtnerâs loan spell, coupled with Asamoah Gyanâs defection to the United Arab Emirates, leaving Martin OâNeillâs attacking options thin on the ground. Wolves hitman Steven Fletcher and Aston Villaâs Gabby Agbonlahor are thought to be among the frontmen OâNeill is targeting. But former Sunderland defender Gray (left) believes a new left-back is just as crucial to Sunderlandâs hopes next season after right-back Phil Bardsley and midfielder Kieran Richardson have occupied that role for the bulk of the last two years. Gray told the Echo: âThey have got to bring in some quality up front with one or two strikers. Personally, I think they probably need more than one. âBut I am certain that Martin OâNeill has got the players he wants in mind. âSteven Fletcher has been mentioned a lot and heâs someone I would like to see at the club. âBut they also need to bring in a new left-back, theyâre crying out for it. âPhil Bardsley has played there and done well but they need a natural in that position. âThe same applies to Kieran Richardson, who has done a good job, but is a left winger really.â Gray himself was converted into a left-back under Peter Reid after beginning his career further forward. Former Sunderland boss Steve Bruce attempted to do a similar thing with Richardson after dropping the ex-Manchester United man back into defence. But Gray believes Richardson still prefers to play further up the field and says that if OâNeill can land a specialist full-back, then Sunderlandâs backline will benefit. âI came as a left winger but Peter Reid saw something in me to switch me to left-back and I came to love playing in that position,â added the former England international. âKieran has developed there, but he likes to play off the frontman and score goals. Thatâs his forte. âSunderland need to be a bit more solid defensively and if you can add a specialist left-back to the back four, then you reap the rewards. âSo it would be nice for us to get a left-back and if Martin can do that, then Sunderland can realistically challenge in the top 10.â ............................................ Well is he?
Not sitting on the fence but yes & no We could definitely do with a left back and would like to see one brought in, but we do have players we could "make do" with at a push. Can't say the same about a striker
We need a left back ASAP! Olsson at Blackburn would be a great option, also if we are seriously interested in Anita at Ajax he can play there also
