Sunderland are going well in League One and the fans are flocking back to the Stadium of Light at last.
Chris Coleman certainly had his hands tied as he looked to bring in some new faces at Sunderland in the 2018 January transfer window.
With owner Ellis Short showing little interest in backing his manager with funds, Coleman was limited to ill-fated loan signings and uninspiring free agents. Lee Camp, Kazenga Lua Lua, Ovie Ejaria and Ashley Fletcher all arrived, struggled and left when relegation was confirmed.
One year on, however, things are looking a little brighter these days.
Sunderland are well placed to challenge for the League One title and Charlie Methven, the club’s likeable executive director has pointed out that The Black Cats don’t have to sift through the bargain bucket these days – and the fans should be giving themselves a pat on the back.
“Seeing the Stadium of Light packed with over 46,000 fans (on Boxing Day) was a fantastic late Christmas present for me and everyone associated with the club,” Methven said in quotes reported by The Chronicle.
“Attendances don’t win matches, but they are important, and here is why.
“Bigger crowds mean bigger revenues, which means that we can be bolder in the transfer market whilst staying within our budget.”
It remains to be seen how busy Sunderland will be in the transfer market but a couple of new additions would be well received given that they are seven points adrift of league leaders Portsmouth with two games in hand.
According to the Northern Echo, Jack Ross is keen to bring in a right-back while Celtic defender Jack Hendry is also keen on a move to the Stadium of Light.
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