Founded1879 caught up with EFL Pundit and Presenter, Gabriel Sutton ahead of the new Championship season to get his thoughts on Sunderland AFC’s squad depth, transfers, new Head Coach, Régis Le Bris and the club’s chances of promotion.
F1879: How do you assess Sunderland AFC’s current squad depth and quality? What areas need strengthening before the summer transfer window closes and which are you content with?
GS: I’m super excited about your squad, Graeme. I think your potential this season is completely off the scale. That said, I do think you need a striker, Alexandre Mendy who you’re linked with sounds ideal. Another centre-back wouldn’t go amiss, either.
F1879: What do you think of the appointment of Régis Le Bris? How do you see his tenure panning out?
GS: Well, I’ve predicted Sunderland to win the league this season. I know, controversial, but I genuinely think it. So I suppose in that sense I’m expecting success!
Although, my prediction is based more on these incredibly talented players coming towards their peak, and a likely sharp incline in their development, as opposed to backing Le Bris specifically as I don’t know much about him, other than his reputation for developing players in France.
It’s easy to say you finished 16th last season, but largely the same group got Play-Offs in 22/23 with a horrific injury crisis, and that was when they were two years further back in their development.
You weren’t far off last season, either, until Beale destabilised things, so really for Le Bris I think he’s just got to be a steady hand and the job almost takes care of itself.
F1879: What is your assessment on whether the club have learned the lessons of last season’s failings as has been claimed? Do the players we have been linked with thus far (Mendy, Norwood, Miller etc and with Browne and Moor already here) indicate this is the case?
GS: I think there’s two parts here. Certainly, having that extra experienced head in Alan Browne will help with the grit and tenacity he can bring. I think Luke O’Nien is an absolute mentality monster as well.
By the same token, you can also look at it and go “Anthony Patterson has now played 111 games for Sunderland, Dan Ballard has played 61, Dan Neil has been bombarded with games for three years, which may not have helped him at the time but now means he’s pretty much a senior player. Jack Clarke was playing in the Championship 6 years ago.” In fact, only 3 of your 27-man squad are teenagers now, and of those, you’re probably not getting Chris Rigg nor Jobe Bellingham at their peak.
So, you’ve had this uncompromisingly youth-led recruitment policy, which unquestionably caused an imbalance in previous seasons, but it’s given these young players experience that they could really benefit from now. I think you’re ready to rock this league.
F1879: It seems obvious that the Black Cats still require some experience to add to the squad in the form of a goal scoring striker, a defensive midfielder and another centre back. Do you agree? Who would you look to bring in if you had the opportunity?
GS: I don’t know if you need another DM, as you invert Trai Hume in possession and him and Alan Browne are tough customers. A centre-back would definitely help with Ballard injured, although I see O’Nien as one of the most important people at the club for how his attitude will rub off on others, like Jenson Seelt and Nectarios Triantis who are very talented. But a striker is definitely required.
F1879: Sunderland have quite a few players within the squad who are capable of playing as a 10. The ability to press and provide assists is key to our success. Yet, with a total of 6, Alex Pritchard was the club’s highest rated assist maker by May 2024. He left in January. Do you feel those already at the club can step up this campaign in that role or would this be an area you would also look at?
GS: I expect Jobe Bellingham and Dan Neil to hit another gear this season, and the way you play should allow them to link up between the lines. Chris Rigg is a generational talent. Adil Aouchiche’s vision is stunning. And then you’ve got Pierre Ekwah in there as well!
F1879: The club’s model is keen on promoting young talent. Are there any academy players who you think could break into the first team this season?
GS: Watson’s meant to be good, isn’t he? Similar to Jack Clarke I believe. And I can’t wait to see how Matty Young gets on at Salford. Better than Pickford, if you ask Darlington fans. Not right now, mind!
F1879: What would constitute a successful season for Sunderland AFC this year? Do you think they have a realistic chance of promotion?
GS: I think you’ll win the league, but top six would still make a successful season.
F1879: Who do you see as Sunderland’s biggest rivals in the league this season, and how do you think they compare to these teams?
GS: None of them come close to you lot. Up the 100 points Mackems!!
Thanks to Gabriel. Follow him on X.
