With the transfer window in full swing, HITC Sport takes a look and some of the best and the worst Sunderland signings.
Over the years, we’ve seen many spectacular and strange signings in the transfer window. Moves that have amazed and mystified fans and journalists alike, along with the occasional “hidden gem” or the odd “flop”. Sunderland are one club who have been subject to all of the above over the years, and so, HITC Sport has decided to take a look at some of the best and the worst of the Black Cats’ transfer business.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
The Best
When Sunderland announced they would be bringing in former England international Jermain Defoe from Toronto FC, a few eyebrows were raised, and many wondered whether the former Spurs and Portsmouth front man would still be up to the task of the Premier League. Undoubtedly, he was. Firing them to safety in his first season with the club, and then claiming the captains armband under David Moyes, Jermain Defoe has proven that, if you’re good enough, age is just a number, cementing himself as (still) one of the Premier League’s best strikers.
Sunderland’s Jermain Defoe in action
Earning himself a reputation as a tough-tackling, no-nonsense central midfielder, Lee Cattermole arrived at Sunderland in 2009 after making the move from Wigan Athletic. In his first few seasons for the Black Cats, Cattermole struggled with disciplinary problems, even picking up a red card on his debut. However, over the last few years Cattermole has proven himself to be a vital leader in the Sunderland squad and one of the better defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
Sunderland’s Lee Cattermole
In 1997, Sunderland signed striker Kevin Phillips from Watford. Scoring 35 goals in his debut season, followed by a further 25 goals in the following season (despite missing four months with a broken toe), Phillips fired Sunderland to promotion to the Premier League, and became the first Englishman to win the European Golden Boot award in the 1999-2000 season, with 30 Premier League goals. Ending his career as one of the best strikers in Premier League history, Kevin Phillips has now moved into coaching, and currently works as an assitant coach under former England manager Steve McClaren, at Derby County.
Derby assistant coach Kevin Phillips
The Worst
After an outstanding scoring record in Holland, scoring 39 goals in 67 games for AZ, Sunderland fans were hoping for big things when they signed American forward, Jozy Altidore. However, after 42 appearances over the course of two seasons, Altidore managed just one goal for the Black Cats, departing in 2015 for Toronto as part of the deal for Defoe. Potentially one of the worst strikers in the club’s recent history, Altidore isn’t missed by many Black Cats fans.
Jozy Altidore at Toronto FC
Anton Ferdinand was once regarded as the perfect England replacement for his brother, Rio, and many Sunderland fans were delighted when manager Roy Keane snapped up the youngster. There were times he’d hold a shocking defence together, and his absence would be hugely noticeable during games in his first season. However, within 18 months of signing, he was on rocky ground and wasn’t even given a squad number at the start of the 2010/11 campaign. After the hiring of Steve Bruce, Ferdinand was shipped out to QPR, bringing about the end to what had been a largely disappointing time in the North East.
Former QPR defender Anton Ferdinand
Signed as Martin O’Neil’s last roll of the dice, Danny Graham joined Sunderland from Swansea City in 2013. After enjoying a decent spell at Watofrd, followed by a slightly more underwhelming stint with the Swans, Sunderland fans were hoping that the move to the North East would be just what Graham needed to get his career back on track. However, after 37 appearances, the former Boro striker managed just one goal for the Black Cats, and was eventually shipped out on various loans to Hull, Middlesbrough and Wolves before eventually joining Blackburn Rovers this summer.
Danny Graham, now of Blackburn Rovers
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