Ex-Sunderland boss backs 'special talent' Jack Rodwell to shine at Sheffield United

Former Sunderland boss Simon Grayson has described Jack Rodwell as a ‘special talent’ and believes he could be a good fit for Sheffield United.
Jack Rodwell.Jack Rodwell.
Jack Rodwell.

The Sunderland flop is training with the Premier League outfit and Grayson says he has all the tools to be a success at centre-half having watched him in action for Blackburn Rovers last season.

Grayson told the Athletic: “He has all the tools you need to play in that position. If I am honest, I was surprised he didn’t stay at Blackburn. I have no idea if that was down to Jack or to Blackburn. Since then, he has been to Italy to try and find a club but it didn’t work.

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“I always said at Sunderland that Jack could score a hat-trick but then make a mistake and it would be the mistake the crowd focused on.

“For me, as his manager, he was good to work with. Chris might be just the right manager to get him going again. In many ways, he is a very Chris Wilder sort of signing.

“There have been a few at Sheffield United who were given a chance and it really worked out well. Lads like David McGoldrick, who was on trial a couple of summers ago; what a great signing he proved to be.

“Not all transfers work. That is just how it is in football. But there would be nothing to lose for Chris to sign Jack as he is a special talent.”

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In the interview Grayson recalled a time when he was Sunderland boss and Rodwell played centre-back in a reserve game and he won plaudits from his coaching staff.

Grayson added: “Jack is a talented footballer who has maybe not had the belief in himself and his body to get through a full season.

“The Premier League might suit him in that respect. It can be less demanding, in terms of games played. The Championship can be something of a slog for players.

“He definitely has all the tools if Sheffield United do take him on. He is 6ft 2in, he can pass with both feet, and he is mobile. Unfortunately, at Sunderland, he was the scapegoat through no fault of his own.

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“It wasn’t his fault the contract had no relegation clause. There was a Q&A with fans that I went to as manager. His wages kept being brought up. I asked the entire room if they would be willing to accept a pay cut of 40-50 per cent and not one arm went up.”