What Tony Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman said about transfers, Ross Stewart's contract and Middlesbrough

The transfer window has closed and Sunderland are now preparing for Monday’s Championship meeting with Middlesbrough.
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The Black Cats won their first match following the appointment of Tony Mowbray after beating Rotherham 3-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Mowbray held an introductory press conference today, while Sunderland’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman will be present following the end of the transfer window.

Here’s what was said at the Academy of Light:

RECAP: Tony Mowbray press conference

Key Events

  • The transfer window has closed after a quiet deadline day for Sunderland.
  • The Black Cats will now prepare for Monday’s trip to Middlesbrough.
  • New head coach Tony Mowbray is set to hold an introductory press conference at 1pm today.
  • Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman will be present following the end of the transfer window.

That brings us to the end of the broadcast section of the press conference but Mobray and Speakman are now speaking to the written press.

We’ll have more from the pair over on the SAFC section of the Echo website, where there’ll also be more build-up and analysis ahead of Monday’s match against Middlesbrough.

Speakman on Alex Neil’s departure

“The by-product of success means you come under threat.

“Alex is an ambitious coach. When it came down to it we couldn’t give him what he wanted.

“I have nothing but admiration for Alex and the job he’s done for us.”

Speakman on Ross Stewart’s contract situation

“Ross is someone we’ve been having a conversation with since spring and had positive conversations with.

“We have an option for an extra year option, so there’s no panic there.

“Ross is a top guy. We want it to be right for Ross, we want it to be right for the football club and I’m sure we’ll get there at some point.”

“We feel we’ve got the right balance in the group.

“Certainly what we’ve done since I’ve been here is keep a real streamline in the group and I think that’s what we have.

“We have our model but always want to be agile in the market.

“We also want to coach players up, like Dennis Cirkin for example.

“Naturally it has been a difficult few days but Tony has been first class in everything that he’s done.”

“We worked pretty hard and had some balls rolling until about 8/9 o’clock which didn’t work for us.

“As long as we have some flexible positions and have a tight group.

“I prefer to make human connections really and for them to know that I’m on their side.

“You can have huge numbers but you can only pick 11 on one given day.

“There is a balance because if you pick up a few injuries people will say you should have added but you have to trust them.”

“What I do know is that the teams I’ve gone back with, I’ve had good results at the Riverside.

“I’ve played in enough of them, they are derby games.

“Receptions it doesn’t matter really. I have affection for that club because I spent 12 years there.

“This is where I work, this is my job and we will do everything to get the three points.”

“I’ve had a pretty whirlwind few days but it’s been really enjoyable.

“I’ve been really impressed from day one walking into this amazing building and amazing facility.

“We are off to a good start but it’s only a good start.

“I know the ups and downs are coming and look forward to helping the football club grow.

“It is a pretty young squad of footballers but I would say they are quite tight and really positive.”

Mowbray and Speakman are here

In place at the Academy of Light

Middlesbrough up next

Sunderland will travel to the Riverside on Monday to face Mowbray’s former side Middlesbrough.

Boro have endured a difficult start to the season under Chris Wilder, taking six points from their opening seven Championship games this season.

Speaking after Sunderland’s 3-0 win over Rotherham on Wednesday, Mowbray, a proud Teessider, said: “I’m delighted to be here, I have to say though my 13-year-old son who sits in the south stand at the Riverside Stadium isn’t too happy, but he will come around I’m sure.

“To be honest, I think all my mates are pleased for me. Everybody knows what an amazing football club this is and what an amazing opportunity. Everybody puts smiley emojis on that they wish us the best… after Monday night next week. That’s the way football works sometimes!”