Sunderland are still waiting for a striker, although a couple have been linked with moves to the North East. Meanwhile, Hartlepool have explained the closure of a stand and the Black Cats have hired a new staff member...
BROADHEAD UPDATE
During Everton’s pre-season friendly in the USA, a Sunderland fan filmed himself asking Nathan Broadhead if he’s coming back to SAFC. Broadhead’s refusal to rule out a move, combined with the striker’s lack of minutes so far under Frank Lampard, meant Sunderland social media went into meltdown. Although the deal is supposedly close to completion, it would be wise for fans to remain calm and not presume anything until he’s pictured at the Academy of Light holding a red and white scarf. If pre-season has taught us anything, it’s that we are desperately lacking cover for Ross Stewart. Alex Neil has used Leon Dajaku and Jack Diamond up front at times, and seems to think Jack Clarke could do a job more centrally. But the need for an out-and-out number nine cannot be understated.
PARROTT TO MOVE NORTH?
Another striker linked to SAFC has been Troy Parrott, who has been mooted for loan move to either Sunderland or Middlesbrough. Like ourselves, Boro are crying out for a goalscorer for Chris Wilder’s upcoming season, with Josh Coburn and Duncan Watmore the only strikers registered on the club’s website. Parrott scored eight League One goals for MK Dons last season, and Spurs are looking for a Championship club to further the striker’s development.
PRE-HARTLEPOOL CRAIC
In other news, Hartlepool United have issued an update regarding their ongoing stadium renovations, which include newly refurbished seats in the Teesside International Airport Stand: “The seating is now in position and the North West Corner barriers in place. We had initially hoped to open the upper tier for our final pre-season friendly against Sunderland on Monday, July 25, however the final sign off will not be completed ahead of this fixture for reasons outside of our control. Therefore the UPPER TIER TIA STAND will remain closed for this fixture and will be open for the start of the season.”
NEW STAFF MEMBER
Finally, Sunderland have appointed Jamie Harley as the club’s new Head of Performance and Medicine. Harley has experience at Middlesbrough and Newcastle United, before following Rafa Benitez to Everton more recently. He arrived at the Academy of Light on Monday and will oversee the Club’s performance and medical provision across all playing levels from the Under-9s to the First Team. Kristjaan Speakman said: “We are delighted to welcome Jamie to Sunderland AFC as we continue to invest in and improve our footballing infrastructure. He embodies the professional expertise required for this position and has the leadership characteristics required to develop our provision in this area, which is an important part of ensuring we can fully support all of our players for many seasons to come.”
