SUNDER CONSTRUCTION
Trio of new arrivals has Black Cats chief Speakman excited and planning a serious push for the Prem
tomorrow after strengthening Michael Beale’s squad with three new faces, including winger Romaine Mundle from Standard Liege.
Sporting Director Speakman admitted they waited until the end of the transfer window to land Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, but moved on when he was deemed unavailable.
The Tees-wear derby these days is one of hope rather than expectation. Both sides are clinging to the fringes of qualifying for the play-offs.
Some 20 years ago, Middlesbrough were about to win the Carling Cup with the likes of Gareth Southgate, Bolo Zenden and Juninho in their side.
These days they operate a similar model to Sunderland, looking for young talent to develop and sell, as well as seeking promotion.
Boro sold striker Morgan Rogers to Aston Villa for up to £16m, after buying him from Manchester City for £1m in the summer, after also selling Chuba Akpom for a similar sum.
Sunderland were pleased to hold on to star winger Jack Clarke and are on the fringes of the play-off zone.
Speakman said: “I have been here seven windows. We picked up a team ninth in League One, with an average age of 29. Now we have a team younger and competing at the top of the league.
“We now have a squad value of £100m. If that is not progress, I don’t know what is. We have conviction in how we are working.”
Barnsley midfielder Callum Styles joined on loan while defender Leo Hjelde was signed from Leeds. Out went Alex Pritchard to Birmingham.
Speakman said: “Amad would have been one of the targets we spoke about at the start. “It has been a fairly dormant market. It ran its course that he was not available. We stayed in it as long as we could. We would like to see the North East clubs competing in the Premier League. We want more Premier League games up here.
“We have a changing room of players who believe they can play in the Premier League. Every player has a journey. There is not a necessity for a player to move.”
Boss Beale (left) refused to call the match a derby. That is reserved for Newcastle games. He said: “We will need to perform well. We are clubs with similar ambitions.
“We have seen areas we can exploit.
“Are you calling it a derby? Rather you than me. It is a game against a team a short drive down the road.
“We need energy on the pitch and commitment to the duels. Last week (3-1 win vs Stoke) was much more how I want my team to be.”