Simon Grayson was tasked with reshaping Sunderland’s squad in the summer.
Before being replaced by Chris Coleman, Simon Grayson made 10 summer signings before being sacked as relegated Premier League side Sunderland slipped into the relegation zone of the Championship.
Coleman has finally taken the Wearside club out of the drop zone but a number of signings have struggled to impress in the red and white stripes of the Black Cats. Here are those 10 signings ranked.
10 – Brendan Galloway
Signed on loan from Everton, Galloway has struggled to make an impression despite showing the kind of potential of a future Premier League star when first breaking into the Toffees side. Not even starting at Sunderland, now. Disappointing.
9 – Luke Steele
Starting the season as Sunderland’s number one, he has kept just one clean sheet in 11 games and has since been dropped for Dutch goalkeeper Robin Ruiter.
8 – James Vaughan
In the shadow of Lewis Grabban, former Toffees trainee was supposed to be the striker to fire Sunderland to an instant return to the Premier League. Instead, he’s scored two goals. Nowhere near good enough.
7 – Callum McManaman
Speed machine McManaman was signed on a free transfer and has shown glimpses of quality for Sunderland. However, he has managed just two assists and is yet to score for Coleman’s side.
6 – Tyias Browning
Another summer signing with Everton connections, Browning has been a regular in the Sunderland side but has come in for criticism for sections of the Sunderland fans. As Sunderland begin to pick up, so should Browning.
5 – Jonathan Williams
Playmaker Williams has hardly been given the game time the Wales international deserves, with injuries preventing his progress. If he can play regularly, he could be key to pushing Sunderland up the table.
4 – Robin Ruiter
A free transfer, the Dutchman has equipped himself well and taken to life in the Championship. In a side struggling, he has kept a decent three clean sheets in 13 games and conceded just 20 goals.
3 – Marc Wilson
Now one of the senior members in the Sunderland side, versatile defender Wilson has impressed. He has just a matter of months remaining on his contract, and should be offered a new deal.
2 – Aiden McGeady
Four goals and three assists, Ireland international McGeady has lived up to expectation as one of Sunderland’s major summer coups. He holds the creative prowess to steer Sunderland clear of the drop. Good start.
1 – Lewis Grabban
Reportedly interesting other Championship sides, Grabban has been excellent for Sunderland with 11 goals this season. Must be kept in January if the club are to remain in the Championship.
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