JACK STRIKER HUNT TOUGH
SUNDERLAND FOCUS
Jack Ross is hoping for an answer on a striker target soon, but admits that the search for extra firepower is complicated, writes PHIL SMITH.
With Charlie Wyke and Jerome Sinclair on the treatment table, Ross is desperately short of options.
However, any addition will have to compete for regular football when that duo is fit and Ross also has Josh Maja, who has found form early in the season.
That is leaving some clubs and players in doubt as to whether a switch to Wearside is the best option.
Nevertheless, the Black Cats boss is confident that he will get another addition and thinks there is a chance, albeit very slim, that he could have one in time for the visit of Sheffield Wednesday. “We’re still trying,” Ross said. “I’ve been conscious of the balance as I said, about who we get in and the balance of the squad. Maybe I’ve been a little too transparent because I’ve maybe made it clear to other clubs.
“But I think it’s important to do that, some clubs and players are happy with that, others aren’t.
“It’s an ongoing process, I’m hoping by the time I finish today I might have an answer from one either way.
“Ideally yes [before Sheffield Wednesday]. We’ve asked the question on one. At the moment I’m planning no, in which case we’ll have to be creative because we’ve only got Josh and I need him for league games. “We’ve got away with it so far.” Ross was also eager to praise those who have helped to fill the
Black Cats boss Jack Ross has insisted that Lee Cattermole and Bryan Oviedo remain part of his plans – despite speculation linking the duo with an exit.
As the club’s two highest earners, the pair were tipped to leave this summer as Sunderland’s new regime look to cut costs following back-to-back relegations.
Speculation continues to rage on regarding their futures, with Oviedo having been linked with Club Brugge and more recent reports suggesting that Bordeaux – under the stewardship of former Sunderland bos Gus Poyet – are keen on Cattermole.
But the duo have remained on Wearside and featured in the Black Cats’ 1-1 draw at Luton Town on Saturday as Ross praised their conduct throughout his time in charge so far.
“When I took this job I tended to shy away from taking too much opinion before I took it,” he said.
“I wanted to gauge everyone myself and those two players have trained every day.
“Bryan had an extended break and I got off on a good foot because I gave him longer!
“They both trained today (Tuesday) and did really well. I think they’re enjoying it and they enjoy the environment they’ve created.
“Naturally, all of these players looked at whether they wanted to play in League One and what challenges would that bring.
“But the challenge for me was to give them something that made them want to be involved in what we’re doing.
“I’ve taken every player as I’ve found them and those two there have been absolutely no problem to me.”
One of the issues surrounding Oviedo is that Sunderland still owe Everton part of the transfer fee they paid when former manager David Moyes signed the Costa Rican and his team-mate Darron Gibson to the club in the January 2017 transfer window.
The left-back, and Cattermole, are both on more than £32,000 a week despite taking pay cuts after relegation from the Premier League.
Concerns may be raised about how the club can afford to keep the duo given their third tier status – but Ross is keen to focus purely on the footballing merits of the pair.
“There’s a number of players that, it’s obvious with where we’re at contractually, that it’s going to be a big ask for the club to carry forward,” he admitted, when discussing Cattermole’s role in the side.
“We’ve managed to do a lot in a short space of time that has helped us to be in a healthier position, but again Stewart (Donald) would likely be able to give you more clarity on how that affects us moving forward.
“From my perspective, in terms of looking solely on football, he remains very much part of the squad at present.”