Chief exec: All systems go on transfers –
SUNDERLAND WILL PUSH FORWARD WITH TRANSFER BUSINESS, PLEDGES CHIEF EXECUTIVE
New chief executive Martin Bain says Sunderland will now accelerate their transfer business after being “paralysed” in the market over the last three weeks.
Sunderland are yet to bring in any fresh faces this summer, with their closest breakthrough coming when a deal for Inter Milan’s Davide Santon fell through at the 11th hour – now understood to be down to the Italian failing a medical.
The FA’s protracted pursuit of Sam Allardyce saw all of Sunderland’s business go on hold, with the club understandably wary of making signings when so much uncertainty hung over the fate of the manager.
But with David Moyes now installed as Allardyce’s replacement, Bain is expecting the new Sunderland manager to swiftly have some new players at his disposal.
“We have to be supporting David on the football side of the business in making sure we have everything in place for the season,” said Bain.
“We have a number of things to do.
“We have been quite paralysed in the transfer market so now we have to move forward on that front.
“There’ll be things David wants to do and I’ll assist him as best as I can in trying to make things happen.”
Bain only took charge at Sunderland at the start of July, but has already had to deal with a change of manager.
The ex-Rangers and Maccabi Tel Aviv chief executive admits England’s appointment of Allardyce was a tough situation, but is confident about Sunderland’s future under Moyes’ guidance.
“It’s been a busy couple of weeks, for sure,” he added to the club website.
“Everyone wishes Sam well and thanks him for his efforts at the end of last year for keeping Sunderland in the Premier League.
“He deserves great credit and we wish him well.
“But last week dealing with the FA was a difficult situation, and we moved swiftly to secure the services of David, which everyone is delighted about.
“While it’s been a turbulent couple of weeks for me coming into a new role, we’ve got to look forward now to the season ahead and stability for Sunderland.
“David obviously has tremendous experience and his record speaks for itself.
“He’s a very assured and assertive character. He has a nice way of dealing with people.
“Hopefully between the two of us, we can provide a bit of guidance and leadership.”
“We have been paralysed in the transfer market so now we have to move forward.” MARTIN BAIN