Former Sunderland star issues summer transfer window warning ahead of historic Europa League campaign
Sunderland are preparing for their first European campaign since 1973 after securing a place in the Europa League.
Former Sunderland defender Darren Williams is looking forward to another ‘exciting’ summer transfer window - but he warned his old club they must add more experience to their squad as they prepare for a historic season.
Just 12 months have passed since the Black Cats laid the foundations for a stunning campaign as the arrival of the likes of Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete, Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey inspired a seventh placed finish in the Premier League table and secured a place in next season’s Europa League. For only the second time in their history and for the first time since 1973, a Sunderland side are preparing to compete in European competition - and they know they will face at least eight fixtures in the group phase of the Europa League.
That will add further pressure on Regis Le Bris’ squad as they look to build on the incredible success achieved during their return to the Premier League - and Williams has stressed there is a need for more experience to be added to the Black Cats ranks to give the former Lorient head coach an opportunity to rotate his squad and not rely on academy products that may not be ready for senior action.
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He told The Echo: “It’s going to be a busy season and everyone knows what challenges playing in Europe will bring - but these are the challenges big clubs face when they achieve great things. Last season, we had a few injuries, there were suspensions and there were a few lads away at the Africa Cup of Nations and we were bringing in young lads and they were on the bench. No disrespect to the young lads, they’re there for a reason and they’re very good players but is it there time just yet? Probably not.
“You do need that strength in depth when you’re going into a season like we will go into and we will need more depth and experience so when we do have a hiccup, when we do have injuries or suspensions, or when the manager needs to rotate, we have experienced players to rely on. It’s going to be an exciting summer seeing what they do.”