Double deal sees Scots join Ross’ Wearside rebuild
SUNDERLAND have completed the signings of Scottish international pair Jon McLaughlin and Chris Maguire.
The double swoop takes the number of Black Cats’ additions for the summer up to three as new boss Jack Ross looks to overhaul the squad.
Goalkeeper McLaughlin, 30, has joined as a free agent after his contract with Hearts expired this summer.
He has signed a twoyear contract after completing a medical at the Academy of Light.
And just an hour later, forward Maguire was confirmed as a Black Cat, having signed a two-year deal.
The 29-year-old also underwent a medical yesterday and has agreed terms with the club. The Wearsiders face a busy summer as they prepare for life in League One. He said of McLaughlin: “Jon was in Scotland last season, but he’s spent the rest of his career in England and played in successful teams in this division. “He’s a really good signing for us because he will bring security and stability to that position, as well as experience to the team, and play a key role moving forward. “He’s a safe pair of hands.” McLaughlin started out with Harrogate Town before joining Bradford City, and after six seasons at Valley Parade he moved on to Burton in 2014, and then last summer to Scottish Premiership side Hearts. McLaughlin helped Bradford to promotion to League One in 2013, and also played in the League Cup final. He also helped Burton to
Maguire’s got a bit about him and as soon as he saw the stadium he said, ‘I’ll have a bit of this’ Jack Ross
back-to-back promotions from League Two to the Championship in 2015 and 2016.
He made his international debut in a 1-0 friendly defeat against Mexico earlier this month.
Speaking to safc.com, McLaughlin said the Black Cats could follow the example of the likes of Premier League new boys Wolves to get back to the top flight.
“It’s an absolutely massive football club,” he said.
“It’s had its hard times recently, but there have been other clubs which have had similar sort of falls and now – the example is Wolves – have got themselves back on the right track and are back where they belong.
“This is a club which stood out for me. They’re getting the right people in and they’re looking to bounce back straight away and get the club moving again.” Maguire started his career at Aberdeen before moving to Derby in 2011 and then to Sheffield Wednesday, Rotherham and Oxford United. After helping the U’s win promotion to League One in 2016, he joined Bury last summer. But he only scored twice in 24 league games as the Shakers were relegated to League Two. Maguire (inset) has two Scotland caps, both won in 2011. Ross told safc.com: “Chris was desperate to come here, and he will tell you this is the biggest club he’s played for. “But he’s got a bit about him and as soon as he saw the stadium he said, ‘I’ll have a bit of this.’ “He comes with a belief in his own abilities but a desire to make the most of this opportunity, so I’m pleased he’s aboard because he has proven quality.”