Survey: ‘Cats must recruit’
Sunderland fans have delivered a clear message about the area of the team that needs strengthening the most this summer - up front.
The 2019-20 campaign has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic, with it still as yet not clear when it will be safe for football to return.
During the break we asked supporters a series of questions as part of our Big SAFC Survey, including which area of the team needed strengthening most.
And 71.7% of fans voted for up front.
Charlie Wyke (six goals) and Kyle Lafferty (two goals) have been favoured by Phil Parkinson recently, with Will Grigg (three goals) underwhelming since his bigmoney move from Wigan Athletic.
Attacking midfield won almost 13% of the vote, with fans highlighting that as an area to bolster.
Meanwhile, we also asked supporters which of the current dozen players who are in the final months of their contracts at the Stadium of Light were most deserving of a new deal.
Fans were clear they wanted to see No1 keeper Jon
McLaughlin (36.6%), Luke O’Nien (40.5%) and Chris Maguire (16%) handed new deals.
O’Nien joined the Black Cats from Wycombe Wanderers in summer 2018.
His current contract is due to expire in the summer but, with a clause in the club’s favour, it is expected to be lengthened by a year.
We also asked supporters which of the January loan signings they wanted to sign a permanent deal, with Bristol City centre-back Bailey Wright winning almost 90% of the vote.
Wright played a big part in the improvement after Christmas before suffering an injury which looked set to keep him out for the rest of the season.
But with football suspended, Wright could yet play a part if the 2019-20 season restarts.
Finally, we asked Sunderland fans who was the best signing this season?
More than half - 52.6% of those that took part - voted for ex-Coventry City defender Jordan Willis, with Wright picking up 29.1% of the vote.
Willis is among the first names on the Sunderland teamsheet, first under Jack Ross and now under Phil Parkinson.
Around 1,700 Sunderland supporters took part in our Big SAFC Survey.