Cash-strapped Cats need new owner, says former boss Grayson

SIMON Grayson believes Sunderland need a new owner, as he offered insight into the struggles Chris Coleman faces at the club.

Coleman succeeded Grayson as Black Cats boss in November after a frustrating time at the club which saw the former Preston boss win just one league game in 15.

But Grayson was afforded just £1.25m from owner Ellis Short in the summer, despite making almost £40m in player sales, and with a thin squad, had to make that minor budget spread to 12 new recruits.

Grayson told Sky Sports: “It’s still an attraction as a big football club, hence why I left a good stable job at Preston and why Chris has gone there after what he achieved at Wales.

“He hopes that he can be the one who will turn it around. There’s been some big managers gone there and haven’t made it a success for whatever reasons.

“I think the problems are quite deep-rooted and they probably needs to be a change in ownership because there is no money to reinvest in the squad.

“There is a few players there who don’t want to be there, but nobody else wants them because they’re on too big a wage and/or they’ve not got the quality that is required.”

Grayson continued: “It’s difficult for them because every time they’ve got a result, teams around them, Birmingham, Burton and Bolton, have also got results, so they’re struggling to get away from it.

“Today (Saturday’s defeat to Cardiff) was a young front three – Maja, Gooch and Honeyman. They’re good players who have energy, zest and quality. But can they sustain it for a full season?

“I’m sure Chris realises he needs to bring some strikers in. I’m sure he will do, but it’s difficult when you’ve got no money to spend.”