It has been a lively start to managerial life at Sunderland for Simon Grayson. Here HITC takes a look back at the season so far.
Following relegation from the Premier League for the first time in a decade, David Moyes was sacked as manager of Sunderland and Simon Grayson was brought in to replace him.
This came on the back of an impressive year in the Championship with Preston North End in 2016/17, but with the Black Cats in financial difficulty and morale low, this was a big challenge for Grayson.
Things began in a tricky manner for the 47-year-old when after a 5-0 friendly defeat to Celtic, midfielder Darron Gibson was filmed publicly criticising his teammates in a pub – as reported by the Telegraph. Gibson has only started two games, both in the Carabao Cup, since.
Darron Gibson of Sunderland looks on before the Carabao Cup First Round match against Bury.
Grayson’s first competitive game in charge of his new side was an opening day home visit of Derby County in the league. Bradley Johnson put the visitors ahead, but Lewis Grabban equalised from the penalty spot in a 1-1 draw.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett (L) and Sunderland manager Simon Grayson.
It has certainly been a busy summer of departures from the Stadium of Light with 13 players moving on. However, holding onto Lamine Kone and Didier Ndong in particular could be a real coup.
Lamine Kone and Tyias Browning of Sunderland challenge Curtis Davies of Derby County.
The aforementioned Grabban was one of 11 new signings under Grayson, joining on loan from Bournemouth, and his three goals so far in 2017/18 makes him the club’s topscorer currently.
Lewis Grabban (L) of Sunderland shakes hands with manager Simon Grayson.
After two draws and a victory from their opening three league matches, successive defeats to Leeds United and Barnsley before the international break has left the team in 19th position. However, they are in the third round of the Carabao Cup – where they will face Everton – after beating Bury and Carlisle United to date.
Simon Grayson, manager of Sunderland, looks on during the Carabao Cup First Round match against Bury.
Along with Grabban, Grayson has also signed the likes of Everton duo Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway on loan, James Vaughan, Aiden McGeady and Luke Steele. Callum McManaman was also a deadline day signing from West Bromwich Albion.
Sunderland Unveil Callum McManaman for the first time at the Academy of Light.
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