New man Winchester will relieve pressure on veteran Leadbitter
CARL Winchester’s arrival will take the pressure off veteran Grant Leadbitter to play every game, according to Sunderland assistant head coach Jamie McAllister.
Winchester became Lee Johnson’s first addition as Black Cats boss when he completed his move to Wearside from League Two Forest Green Rovers on Sunday.
And McAllister has been explaining exactly what the 27-year-old brings to the side, pointing out one role he can fulfil is that of cover for Leadbitter, who is an integral part of the Sunderland midfield but who – having turned 35 last week – will not be able to play every game as Sunderland face a match every four days on average between now and the end of the season.
“The gaffer [Johnson] worked with him before at Oldham, so he knows him well – he had him when he was about 19 there,” said McAllister, Johnson’s long-time number two.
“I’ve watched him a few times and I’ve played against him, too.
“He’s a tidy footballer, he can mark, and he can play box-to-box, and he can play as a number eight or in the number six role and sit and dictate. He has good quality on the ball, a good range of passing, and he can put his foot on the ball.
“He gives us some cover for Grant Leadbitter because there are a lot of games coming up, and Grant is 35 – he’s a top player but he might need resting now and then. Carl is a new face, he adds competition and hopefully he will settle in well.”
With the League One wage cap and the limits imposed on the number of senior players allowed in third tier squads, versatility has never been more important.