Sunderland are hoping to re-unite Phil Parkinson with his former Bolton Wanderers captain Jay Spearing this summer, according to The Sun (5 July, page 61).
With the Black Cats losing a whole host of key players since the 2019/20 campaign was brought to a premature conclusion, Sunderland are under pressure to find replacements for the likes of Jon McLaughlin, Alim Ozturk and co while operating on a shoestring budget.
So the availability of Spearing, who also became a free-agent when his Blackpool contract expired last week, could hardly have been better timed.
The Sun claims that Parkinson would love to reunite with the one-time Liverpool youngster at the Stadium of Light.
Spearing has been offered the chance to return to Merseyside with recently-relegated Tranmere Rovers but the chance to guide Sunderland, the biggest club in the division by far, back to the Championship should appeal.
At the age of 31 and with almost 100 league One appearances under his belt, Spearing would certainly provide some attitude and leadership to the heart of Sunderland’s midfield.
Though it is his ability, as much as anything, which had Blackpool fans mourning his departure after personal terms over a new deal could not be agreed.
“Spearo was immense,” Parkinson told The Bolton News of this former midfield favourite back in 2016. “Just that calmness on the ball as well as his heart, which is unquestioned.
“Having him out there is a big plus. Since I came into the club, I’ve said that a lot of managers are crying out for leadership but I have got a few players of that type and Jay is definitely one of them.
“Good captains get more out of the players around them.”
No wonder Parkinson would love to do battle alongside ‘Spearo’ again, with Sunderland hoping that third time is the charm in League One.
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