Will McGeady be Aiden and abetting the Black Cats?
Phil Smith answers more of your questions...
Why isn’t Aiden McGeady being considered for the first team? Whatever has happened, can’t they put the club first?
Phil Parkinson has always said that there is no one specific reason that McGeady was removed from the first-team environment.
There has been a lot of speculation, much of it unfair and untrue. It’s worth remembering that McGeady has trained with the U23s, with no issue, during the time he has been at the club but not part of Parkinson’s plans.
The Black Cats boss did say at the time of his decision that he felt the culture and spirit around the group could be better, and that’s as close to a definitive reason as we’ve had.
This summer, he has also moved his argument forward a little by saying that he also wants to protect the pathway for the likes of Dan Neil and Elliot Embleton. Fans will keep a keen eye on that.
I think it’s also fair to point out there are huge demands in terms of pressing defenders in Parkinson’s system.
I don’t think there’s any doubtthatMcGeadyisamatchwinner at this level.
Having said that, Sunderland’s chance creation for the most part this season has been quite good.
They aren’t having any problems getting the ball into dangerous positions, they’re just not making the most of those openings.
McGeady is a quality player, and at the time the decision was made I argued that it could hurt the team on the pitch. At times it probably has. Ultimately,though,histime as a first-team player on Wearside (under Parkinson at least) is over.