Sunderland's transfer business has been better than any of their League One rivals so far - but this can only be the start

A couple of weeks ago, I called on Stewart Donald to ensure he backed Phil Parkinson in the transfer market.

While there have unsurprisingly been very few deals completed in League One so far, given the uncertainty over budgets and salary caps, it was always imperative that Sunderland weren’t left behind this summer.

And a couple of weeks later, we can say with some certainty that they haven’t been. Indeed, it’s within reason to say that no other club in League One have completed better business than the Black Cats so far.

Some sides, most notably Blackpool, have completed a number of signings and have bolstered their ranks considerably – but are their additions of better quality, of higher pedigree, than those of Sunderland? I don’t think so.

And if you take a glance at the Black Cats’ promotion rivals, there are few – if any – who have added players of the ilk of those signed by Sunderland.

In Aiden O’Brien and Bailey Wright, Parkinson has attracted two players with Championship experience, who have won promotion from League One in the past and who had no shortage of other suitors this summer.

The fact that Sunderland were able to attract the duo in the face of that competition should provide a strong endorsement for the atmosphere that has been cultivated behind the scenes, and it’s pleasing to see the club giving Parkinson the backing to bring in his top targets rather than being forced to settle for whatever is available.

So far, so good on the recruitment front then.

But the key part of my previous statement is the final two words – ‘so far’.

Yes, Sunderland’s signings so far are both impressive additions and have rightly pleased supporters. But this has to be just the start.

As per his interview with BBC Newcastle earlier this summer, Parkinson is still keen to recruit an additional five or six players – although that may depend upon whether the mooted squad cap is adopted by League One clubs next term.

While Wright and O’Brien have added some depth in areas of the pitch which were glaringly lacking in them, there are still some key positions which need strengthening.

Another goalkeeper is a necessity, as too is some more cover and competition at the back – both in the central areas and on the left-flank. Some additional creativity in the midfield areas would not got amiss while there are still question marks over whether Sunderland have an out-and-out goalscorer in their ranks.

So while the backing of Parkinson has been good so far, it must continue. If players of a similar calibre to Wright and O’Brien can continue to be recruited then there is no reason why Sunderland cannot aim high this season.

Maybe it could be third time lucky.

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