Sunderland manager Jack Ross has just over a week before starting his first season as a manager in England.
Sunderland have not embarked on League One football for 30 years, but the Black Cats find themselves in the third tier after a dismal Championship campaign last season, where they finished bottom of the league with just 37 points.
But, with former Eastleigh owner Stewart Donald taking the reigns from former Sunderland chairman Ellis Short, the Black Cats are at the beginning of a new era, with Scottish manager Jack Ross now in charge.
However, the Black Cats still need a number of additions if they stand any chance of success next term and they may not have to look far, with their former winger Ross Wallace, who is available on a free, potentially a very good option for Sunderland.
Wallace joined Sunderland from Celtic in 2006, scoring on his debut against Derby County, with the winger topping a very successful season on Wearside with a Championship winners’ medal when the Black Cats romped to the title.
After Wallace left in 2009, the 33-year-old went on to play for a number of different clubs in both the Championship and Premier League, including Preston North End, Burnley and most recently Sheffield Wednesday, where he scored 10 goals in 107 appearances.
Wallace is also known for his excellent set-piece ability, something that Sunderland would be keen on utilising if they were to sign the player, with the third tier known for goals from dead-ball situations.
With the Scotsman available on a free this window, Wallace would not set the Black Cats back a penny from their League One transfer budget, making him an excellent potential target for Ross’s men, especially with Wallace’s extensive knowledge of the English Football League and Sunderland’s need for one or two experience head’s.
Some of the Sunderland faithful’s fondest memories of Wallace in a Sunderland shirt will likely come from their home game against Southampton in 2006, when the winger curled one his trademark free kick’s past Kelvin Davis, and also his winning goal against Hull City in their Championship winning season over ten years ago.
Sunderland may face stiff competition from other Championship and League One club’s for the man who has one Scotland cap to his name but, with the start of a new era on Wearside and the fond memories of playing in the famous red and white of Sunderland, Wallace may well be keen on an unexpected return to his former club if they make a move.
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