In the news today: It was a good debut for Harry Gardiner at his new club, whilst Tony Mowbray is back managing in the Championship...
GARDINER NETS BRACE
Sunderland announced that young striker Harry Gardiner had joined Blyth Spartans on loan on Friday, and on Saturday he scored twice on his debut! Gardiner bagged a brace against Bishop Stortford in the National League North, with his new team winning 3-1 away from home.
The 20-year-old signed a one-year extension on Wearside last summer, meaning his deal runs until 2024. After scoring eight goals for the Black Cats' youth sides so far this season, he will feature for Blyth in their next five games against Banbury United, Gloucester City, Scarborough, Warrington Town and Hereford.
Manager Jon Shaw publically thanked Sunderland upon the completion of the deal: "We’re really happy to bring Harry Gardner in and I’d like to thank Sunderland for their assistance getting it over the line for the weekend. I know Harry from when he was younger, he joined South Shields Academy before quickly being snapped up by Sunderland. Back then we could see he’s a goal scorer, he has a very good understanding of where to be and a great attitude. He’s spent four years developing and has become a key figure at the under-21’s level and I’m looking forward to seeing him prove himself in first-team football.”
MOWBRAY IS A BLUE
This morning, Birmingham City announced the appointment of Tony Mowbray as their new manager on a two-and-a-half year contract. Mowbray, who has been out of work since being sacked by Sunderland in early December, will take over a Blues side reeling from a very poor spell under Wayne Rooney.
Birmingham are 20th in the league having won just twice in their last 15 games. Mowbray's long-time assistant Mark Venus will join him at St Andrews - and surely the pair will be looking forward to Saturday February 17th when Birmingham host Sunderland AFC...
