‘I want to be getting fans on their feet’
CALLUM McManaman admits he is “made up” to be joining Sunderland and has promised to “get fans off their seats” this season.
The 26-year-old joined the Black Cats on a free transfer from West Brom on Thursday night as Simon Grayson managed to get three deals over the line on deadline day.
McManaman, alongside Jonny Williams and Marc Wilson, all joined the club just before Thursday’s deadline as the Wearsiders ended the summer transfer window with 10 new signings.
The former Everton youth player made his name at Wigan Athletic, where his exciting displays of skill and power down the right-hand side helped the Latics win the FA Cup in 2014.
He joined West Brom in 2015 but failed to earn a proper run in the team under Tony Pulis and was shipped out on loan to Sheffield Wednesday last season.
Nonetheless, he arrives at Sunderland confident he can rediscover his best form.
McManaman said: “I am made up to get the move done.
“It has been hard over the last year not playing, so I am happy to get it done and am looking to get playing again and enjoying it.
“I want to get this club back to where it belongs and enjoy playing again. I want to get back to playing every week.
“It is a massive club with a massive fan base and you notice that as a player.
“You want to play in front of big support and you can see how passionate they are.”
McManaman enjoyed his best years at the DW Stadium under Roberto Martinez.
Martinez gave McManaman the freedom to flourish down the righthand side and the Liverpool native earned rave reviews for his performances.
At West Brom, Pulis’s regimented system did not suit his style of play, but under Grayson he will have the licence to be exuberant.
McManaman can take heart Grayson has extracted the best creative flair out of Aiden McGeady over the past 12 months and the former Wigan star is confident Grayson will instil confidence in him.
He added: “He seems sound and all of the lads have said good things about him, so I am looking forward to working with him and playing under him.
“If the gaffer believes in you it gives you more confidence.”
McManaman wil not be walking into an unfamiliar dressing room on Wearside as he revealed he has close ties with Jack Rodwell and Lee Cattermole.
He said: “I was with Rodwell at Everton when we were kids. I know Tyias (Browning) when he came to Wigan on loan and Brendan (Galloway) was at West Brom last year.
“I know Catts from Wigan as well - he looked after me at Wigan when I was younger so I can name half the team. I think I will settle in well.”
Sunderland’s need for a direct winger before the end of the window was paramount - and McManaman has promised fans he will be just that.
He added: “I love getting fans off their seats and that is what I want to be doing.”