Jack Colback has been linked with a surprise return to Sunderland three years after his move to Newcastle United.
Unsurprisingly, news of the reported interest did not go down well amongst the Black Cats fans, with many feeling betrayed by his decision to swap the Stadium of Light for St James’ Park three years ago.
And judging by the comments that Colback made to BBC Sport when he did make the move in 2014, he would be under absolutely no illusions regarding the size of the task he would face trying to win the supporters round if he did make a return to the club during the January transfer window.
“I thank them for their support when I was there, and Sunderland for the chance to play in the Premier League.”
If Sunderland could land Colback on the cheap, it may well be a decent move if he can find his best form upon his return to the Stadium of Light, but it may not be a surprise if his link to their bitter rivals was not the only reason that Sunderland fans were largely against the idea of Colback returning.
The 28-year-old has not featured for the Magpies’ first-team this season and was hardly indispensable during their Championship title-winning campaign last term, so there may well be concerns about how much he would add to Chris Coleman’s side.
But perhaps as Colback would clearly be aware that he has a major point to prove, it may be fair to suggest that he would not consider making the move unless he was fully determined to put in the kind of performances that would see the criticism largely stop and that would help Sunderland get themselves away from danger.
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