Sunderland’s Championship campaign ended in a disappointing 16th-placed finish, meaning the club faces a significant summer rebuild as it prepares to appoint a new head coach.
The squad changed considerably from that which beaten Luton Town at home in the first leg of the play-off semi final at the Stadium of Light one year ago today, with some key figures departing and the club committing even more significantly to it’s youth policy. So what did we learn about the club’s strategy over the course of the last two transfer windows, what worked out and what mistakes were made? We rated every single major transfer decision sanctioned by Kristjaan Speakman and Sunderland to address what needs to change in the summer ahead...
9. JOE ANDERSON - LOANED TO SHREWSBURY TOWN
Has been a little bit in and out of the team at Shrewsbury but 30 appearances across all competitions is not a bad return and he should be much better for the experience of senior football. Still has two years left to run on his deal, so both player and club have time to weigh up their options. Decision rated: 6/10 | Getty Images Photo: Jeremy Ng
10. BRADLEY DACK - FREE TRANSFER
Signed to add a goal threat and also perhaps to address the experience that was going to leave the club over the course of the summer transfer window. Was a risk given the serious injuries he was still working his way back from and in the end a series of niggling issues prevented him from making any significant impact. Decision rated: 3/10 Photo: Frank Reid
11. ELIEZER MAYENDA - SIGNED FROM SOCHAUX
Unlucky to pick up an injury in his first training session, which made his task breaking through into the first team much more difficult. You could see the potential in his brief appearances and it is important to remember he has still only just turned 19. Lots of time on his side. Be a far easier signing to judge in a year or so, unlucky some of the other forward additions he wasn’t really anticipate to be a key player this season Decision rated: 5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid
12. NATHAN BISHOP - SIGNED FROM MAN UTD
Brought in as cover for Patterson and has won plenty of praise for his professionalism behind the scenes, a key attribute for the role. Hasn’t had much of a chance to impress on the pitch. Decision rated: 5/10 | Frank Reid Photo: Frank Reid