Jack Ross explains why Sunderland let Andrew Nelson join Dundee

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Some Black Cats fans did not think Nelson should have been allowed to leave permanently given their issues up front.

Jack Ross has explained why he decided to allow Andrew Nelson to leave Sunderland and seal a move to Dundee despite the Black Cats’ current issues up front.

The 21-year-old came through the ranks at the Stadium of Light and played for the Under-23s as well as enjoying loan stints at the likes of Hartlepool, Harrogate and Falkirk, but he did not manage a game for the senior team (Transfermarkt).

According to the Sunderland Echo, Nelson had been on the radar of a number of clubs this month following a successful loan spell at National League North side Darlington, in which he scored six goals in five games, after returning from a foot injury.

Earlier in January, the deal was sealed, Nelson signing a two-and-a-half contract at Dundee for an undisclosed fee, as reported by the Scottish Premiership club’s website as well as Sunderland’s page.

Some of the SoL faithful, however, were really not pleased with the move and voiced their thoughts on Twitter:

Speaking to the press this week, Ross has shed some light on why the powers that be at the club made the decision they did regarding Nelson, suggesting that it was the best solution for both the team’s needs and those of the player himself.

“If I felt he was at a stage where he could come in and really help us as a player, then I would have done that,” the Scot told the Chronicle Live. “That’s not to say I don’t think he’s a good player, I just think where we’re at, this was the best solution for all parties.

“I think he would agree with that, he’s young but not that young in terms of football. I know what his attitude is like and so I know that he’ll go up there to make the most of the opportunity at Dundee.”

The outlet points out that Jerome Sinclair cut his loan spell short and returned to Watford, while Josh Maja is reportedly expected to complete a £3.5million move to Bordeaux this month.

This would leave Charlie Wyke as the only specialist centre-forward on board, although Duncan Watmore, Lynden Gooch and Chris Maguire can also play in attack.