The lads from BRFCS.com were kind enough to give us more information about Sunderland's new midfielder Bradley Dack, who of course used to play for Blackburn Rovers.
How good is Dack? What are his pros and cons?
On his day, pre-injury, an absolute delight. Sees a pass ahead of many of his teammates, ghosts into space has that little something that gets you out of your seat. But the two cruciates left a legacy that seemed to reduce his effectiveness. It was always going to be an uphill task to come back from one let alone two cruciates - he will need lots of TLC.
Are you disappointed to see him go?
Yes and no. The pre-injury Bradley Dack was on his way to the Premier League no doubt - almost certainly before we could get there. Losing that version would have been gut-wrenching. Under Jon Dahl Tomasson, the system needs energy, movement, mobility and a willingness to submit to a team ethic that Dack either couldn’t or wouldn’t deliver. There was clearly a difference of opinion between Dack & JDT.
Did he knock back a deal or did Rovers run down his deal?
I understand Rovers had a 12 month option but chose not to exercise it. On the wages he was on at Rovers, it would have been a very brave decision to invoke the option.
Can Mowbray bring out the best on him?
If anyone can, Tony can. They love each other to bits like a father & prodigal son. Moving to Sunderland under Mowbray is the absolute best option for Dack.
What’s his fitness record like?
He’s had cruciate ligaments injuries on both his knees - coming back from that must be mentally & physically extremely demanding. As above…he’ll need patience and TLC.
Will he get a warm welcome on his return to Ewood?
Categorically, yes. He will always be welcomed back to Ewood but I believe the majority understand why he was released…and agree with it.
