Coach confident Sunderland are ‘getting there’ with new faces
Lee Johnson says he believes Sunderland are closing in on new additions.
Although the Black Cats head coach would not comment on the club’s pursuit of Exeter City full-back Josh Key, he said he hoped the club could make a breakthrough in the next week or so.
Johnson remains eager to strengthen his currently threadbare options at fullback, with Carl Winchester and Dan Neil stepping into the roles at Harrogate.
Both impressed in an emphatic 4-0 win, but Johnson knows the need to strengthen.
He also, at a minimum, wants to add another centre-back and another striker following the departure of Charlie Wyke.
Responding to questions on the club’s interest in Key and Nottingham Forest rightback Jordan Gabriel, Johnson said: “We’re working hard behind the scenes and a lot of that is to put yourself in a position where you've got the options.
“They’re not our players and so I can’t talk about them, as you know.
“You have a list, sometimes five, 10, and you’ve got to make sure it’s a quality list and fits with what you’re trying to do.
“They’ve got to be affordable, available and fit the club’s philosophy.
“It’s not easy but, to be fair, I feel like we are getting there in a couple of positions.
“My hope is that in the next
week to 10 days, we’re able to bring a couple in.”
Johnson hailed his Sunderland players for their flexibility as the produced an accomplished display at the Envirovent Stadium and said he was confident he would field a side capable of beating Wigan on the opening day of the League One campaign.
Luke O’Nien made his first appearance of pre-season
against Harrogate to further bolster his options in the midfield and forward areas.
Johnson said: “Whatever we go into the start of the season with, we are going to die in a ditch to get the result.
“Sometimes you can say things in the media and it can get a little bit sensationalised as is natural, but the main point is we’re grateful for what we’ve got at the moment
and we massively believe in the players that we have.
“Whether they’re our young players, Dan Neil stepping in at left back and showing he’s bright enough and intelligent enough to do, that despite never having played there. “Okay, it might be different playing there against one of the best wingers in the league. We know what we need to get,
we’re trying hard and I believe we’ll get there, but whatever we go into the season with they will be ready.
"Then we can add in to supplement as we go.”
Johnson also allayed any injury concerns surrounding influential winger Aiden McGeady, who was not part of the squad.
Jack Diamond excelled in McGeady’s absence and Johnson
confirmed he expects to have the Irishman back available soon.
“McGeady had his injection, with his tendonitis in the knee, so that pushes him out for eight or nine days,” he explained.
“That was always in the plan. We tried to build his base fitness up, so it should be easier to then push him back again going into the season.”