Kristjaan Speakman has recapped Sunderland's January transfer window, spoke about how hard it is to keep star players like Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, and says the squad is in a strong position to push for promotion.
PLEASED WITH THIS POSITION
"We feel we are in a really strong position. We wanted to go into February feeling like we have the group where we needed them to be for the final games. Players returning from injury have put us in a strong position and obviously we have added the likes of Enzo which has given us incredible quality and I think people are seeing that in the team. Ultimately we are really pleased.”
DANNS ARRIVAL
“We were looking to add another forward to the group and we looked long and hard for the right profile from a football perspective. We also wanted the right character and we felt with Jayden we’ve got a bit of both of those. When you come to the end of the window and that player becomes available we did everything to try and get him. Unfortunately with good due diligence and process we found an underlying issue with him which means he will be out for a little bit of time which is incredibly frustrating for us and for him.”
ISIDOR PERMANENT
“With Wilson I think from a football perspective it was a relatively easy decision with his impact on the team and the impact on the league. Also with Wilson’s thoughts, the ambiguity of it [loan] and removing that is definitely a benefit. It gives him the best platform to perform over the rest of the season. Ultimately for us it's another process out of the way. There’s always going to be complications in converting a loan to a permanent position and we managed to get through all those steps and now there is certainty for the club and for the supporters at the back end of the season.”
TALENT RETENTION
"Often not enough is made of being able to retain talent. In January there’s lots of competitors and teams who lose talent in the window. Our ownership has been really firm on the fact we are trying to retain and build. That often means you are making difficult decisions in turning offers and opportunities down. We’ve got such a committed playing group it doesn’t become a difficulty for us. Everyone here is focused on the remaining games and getting us to the top of the table.”
AOUCHICHE AND CONNOLLY EXITS
“To keep a great harmony in the group our objectives and aims need to be the same as the players. They wanted to play more. It was right for where they are in their career. Adil and Aaron were in the squad and around the squad and it’s a good move for both of them to move to different clubs at a good level and go on to show their talent.”
