In the news today, we’ve been linked with some young Premier League forwards, promising midfielder Caden Kelly has signed his first professional contract with the club and the introduction of safe standing within stadiums gains more momentum...
TROY PARROT
Stephen Elliott is an admirer of the Dubliner who was on loan in League One last season with MK Dons. Though his goal scoring record doesn’t look so impressive on the face of it, his overall play, particularly in the latter half of the season, was instrumental for the play-off chasing side. Elliot said last month that: “I think if Troy Parrott came to Sunderland, I think he'd embrace playing for a club like that with the big crowds, the atmosphere at the games and that feeling of doing well there and thriving there. He looks like the type of player that thrives on playing on the big occasion and I think it could be a really good move."
Parrott has went on Spurs’ pre-season tour in South Korea and boss Antonio Conte is said to be a big admirer of the young forward. Perhaps the chance to link back up with Dennis Cirkin and Jack Clarke might be enough to see off competition from the other interested sides.
REDA KHADRA
Another young Premier League footballer linked today is Brighton’s Reda Khadra. The German is predominantly utilised as a centre forward and was on loan in the Championship last year with Blackburn. He scored 4 goals and set up another 2. Khadra is a good dribbler and has good close control. He looks excellent on YouTube, although that can be a bit misleading. He won the Peter White Memorial Trophy for Rovers’ goal of the season and built a good rapport with the fans. Ultimately, he would probably be Ross Stewart’s understudy (who could really replace him?) but he would at least appear to be a valuable back up option if we were to make him our fourth summer signing.
SAFE STANDING
In a pretty universally popular move (in short supply lately) the Government has confirmed that Premier League and Championship clubs can introduce standing during the 2022/23 season. Brentford, QPR and Wolves are the latest clubs to confirm they will have safe standing areas and this is just the start. Cardiff City, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur who were ‘early adopters’ as the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) carried out research into designated areas last season. Fans groups and individuals have campaigned for many years for the introduction of safe standing and this is a big victory.
CADEN KELLY
Congratulations to Caden Kelly on signing his first contract wit the Lads. There was a mass exodus of youth players this summer to the point where I'm not even sure if we could field a side at the moment, so it's good news that Caden has made the grade and is tied down to a contract until 2024. He made his debut for us in the EFL Trophy last season.
