Grayson in contingency plans for wantaway stars
CATS BOSS CONTINUES RESHAPING SQUAD
SIMON Grayson’s plans for the season opener include Jeremain Lens and Wahbi Khazri – but he has drawn up contingency measures if either or both leave.
Holland international Lens and Tunisia star Khazri have provided the bulk of Sunderland’s creativity in pre-season and, on talent alone, would be formidable weapons in the Championship.
Both have been linked with moves, after admitting they are not keen on playing in the second tier, but as yet nothing has materialised.
And with Sunderland’s Championship campaign getting under way a week on Friday, Grayson expects they will still be at the club when the season kicks-off against Derby County and he says he will play them for as long as they remain.
“Definitely,” said Grayson when asked if he would play the pair when the season begins.
“While they’re still contracted to the club they’ll be considered for selection.
“When you see the performances, especially with Lens on Saturday [at Bradford], that’s why they’ve played at a real good level and are worth the money they are.
“I’m planning for them to be here but I’ve got contingency plans for if they’re not.
“We’ve always said that they could be decent players at this level because of where they’ve come from and what they’ve done previously.
“Time will tell on that, I’m planning to have all these players on the first day of the season.”
Grayson is still reshaping his squad and has admitted he will need players to move on if he is to bring in his own men.
But, like most managers, he would prefer all the player trading to be over by the time the season starts rather than see personnel changes continue until the end of August.
He said: “The window doesn’t shut until the 31st [of August].
“That’s what I don’t agree with when it comes to the transfer market, really it should finish before the season starts so the manager knows what his squad is going to be for the opening part of the season.”
Sunderland won 3-2 at League One Bradford City on Saturday in what was the Black Cats’ sixth preseason game.
Next up is a trip to Scunthorpe United on Wednesday, before taking on Scottish champions Celtic at the Stadium of Light.
Grayson said: “Pre-season is all about moving forwards week in and week out.
“But listen, it’s all about what happens a week on Friday and over the next 46 games, nothing is ever won or lost in pre-season.”