Another not-so-quiet few days following Sunderland saw us identify Paul Heckingbottom as a potential head coach, Trai Hume attract interest from overseas and Edouard Michut’s younger brother, Etienne, linked with joining the Black Cats. Never change, Sunderland! But with a valuable win over Cardiff on Good Friday and Sunderland Women topping the table with just two games remaining, things are looking up on Wearside…
PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM
As ever, the news that Heckingbottom is supposedly our number one target to take charge was greeted by a mixed reception. Although, I must say, it was more on the negative side. Despite this sour reaction, Heckingbottom has achieved promotion from the Championship - isn’t this our primary objective? Heckingbottom, who joined Sunderland as a player in 1995, guided Sheffield United to promotion from the Championship in 2022/23. Across the season, he was awarded with the Manager of the Month award on three different occasions. So, why the big fuss? Many supporters are labelling this as the ‘cheap’ option as, like Michael Beale, Heckingbottom is currently unemployed after being sacked by The Blades earlier in the campaign. Some would argue that it’s underwhelming, in comparison to a young and upcoming manager, like Will Still - who we would need to pay compensation to appoint. Generally, I would agree that it would be another lacklustre appointment. His previous experience in the Championship and from gaining promotion could be a key asset but I think we should learn from the Beale appointment and go for a more exciting and upcoming manager, who can attract players that suit our clearly fixated ‘model.’
TRAI HUME
Unsurprisingly, Trai Hume’s exceptional performances in red and white and for Northern Ireland have attracted interest from numerous suitors. Italian giants Napoli are rumoured to be closely monitoring Hume’s development as they prepare a bid. As well as Napoli, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Leeds and Leicester are all keeping a keen eye on the exciting full-back’s services. Hume’s current deal with The Black Cats runs until the summer of 2027, having signed an extended deal with Sunderland in 2023. This contract also includes an option to extend the deal for a further 12 months. His former employers, Linfield, will also benefit from 15% of the transfer fee if Hume does depart. In my opinion, Sunderland should try and keep Hume at all costs. Given how poorly we have invested money recently and Hume’s constantly rising value, it makes sense to keep him for at least another season. Most importantly though, Hume is a key part of our defence and his attacking contributions continue to increase as he gains confidence. Worst case scenario, if Hume does leave, it could give Timothee Pembele a platform to showcase his talent.
SAM TICKLE
Another update on the transfer-front. Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle has been highlighted as a potential replacement for Anthony Patterson, if he should leave the club. Inevitably, one of the most challenging elements of facing another Championship season is having clubs’ in more attractive divisions attempt to lure our core players. The likes of Trai Hume, Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson and Jack Clarke are bound to be the subject of intense transfer speculation. Tickle represents England U21s on the international stage and, like many of our current team, is expected to have a big future ahead. He graduated from the Latics’ academy and is now their starting goalkeeper. This link pretty much epitomizes our transfer strategy - buying young players with high potential for a minimal fee and selling them for a profit as they develop. I do like this approach, certainly in comparison to our approach in League One, when we re-signed Danny Graham. However, at some point we need to identify a ‘happy medium’ and add some much-needed experience to balance our young squad. Goalkeeper is an area of the pitch where I think this experience could be beneficial.
ETIENNE MICHUT
If this deal means that we get to sing that iconic Michut chant once again, then it’s a big yes from me! In all seriousness, I don’t know too much about Edouard Michut’s younger brother- in fact, I wasn’t aware he had a brother at all. However, if he performs anywhere near the standard of his older brother, this deal could be worthwhile. Etienne currently plays for PSG but his current contract with the French giants expires this summer. Still only 17, Etienne has previously been linked with a move to Manchester City and Ajax- not bad company for The Black Cats! Like Edouard, Etienne plays as a central-midfielder. Born in 2006, Michut is not going to add any experience to the squad but this does not necessarily make him a bad acquisition. He would add competition for our midfield options and could learn a lot from an older player like Corry Evans. Again, I hope we aren’t just going to target young and inexperienced players in the summer but, given the players in this round-up, I wouldn’t get your hopes up!
SAFC WOMEN
Moving across to Sunderland Women, they recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Watford with two goals from Emily Scarr. Sunderland ladies are top of the Women’s Championship for 2023/24, with 12 wins from 20 league matches. They have 40 points in total, one point more than Crystal Palace in second place. There are now just two league fixtures remaining to decide the title and Sunderland Ladies’ next match is against Charlton on Sunday 21st April. Incredibly, their final game of the season is against Palace which could be a colossal game in deciding the race for silverware. It has been a hugely successful season for Sunderland Women so far, let’s hope they can get over the line and claim the Championship title!
As always with Sunderland, there are constant rumours circulating about potential signings and possible candidates to fill the head coach position. It is vital that we get these decisions right as, ultimately, these will be the areas that dictate how we perform next season on the pitch. There are major improvements to be made but also good foundations in place to do so. First and foremost, let’s focus on finishing this season on a high and this should help in attracting the right people to Sunderland AFC!
