Don Goodman lauds Sunderland chiefs after what they did in summer
Don Goodman has credited the Sunderland hierarchy after they altered the “dynamics of the changing room” over the summer.
The EFL expert heaped praise on the club for taking required action in Regis Le Bris’ squad, with the club having enjoyed an excellent start with five wins from six to leave them second in the Championship table.
An emphasis in recent years has been on bringing long-term youth investment to Wearside with the aim of a self-sustaining transfer model, but appeals for more senior players in the building appear to have been answered.
Goodman, speaking exclusively to Mackem News, said: “[There has been] the investment in the club in terms of bringing in experienced players like Alan Browne and Chris Mepham, on top of Patrick Roberts and Luke O’Nien being there.
“All of a sudden the dynamics in the changing room has changed – they have experienced players to calm things down.
“Even those they’ve signed that we haven’t heard of are at a good age, around 24, 25, and it’s been a phenomenal start for them.”
Sunderland bolster experience in the squad
There is no denying Sunderland have a fantastic pathway system for youth to excel – just look at how well 17-year-old Chris Rigg is performing each week – and it is because of these opportunities that youngsters are favouring a longer spell in the North East than more lucrative offers elsewhere.
It was, however, crucial the club got the balance right this time around, having relied too heavily on youth last season as an initially promising season descended into farce and ran out of steam.
At the time, reliable servants like Lynden Gooch, Danny Batth and Alex Pritchard were moved on due to their lack of resale value, while several teenagers were brought to the club and offered plenty of football.
Mepham, Browne and Simon Moore have all been secured, while young unknown quantities such as Milan Aleksic, Salis Samed and Ahmed Abdullahi were signed; the likes of Ian Poveda, Wilson Isidor and new man Aaron Connolly are all early-to-mid-20s but with experience at a good level as Goodman explains.
Le Bris has an intriguing squad to work with and has made it clear who he sees as part of his plans – and so far, it is absolutely working.
In other Sunderland news, Derek Ferguson opens up on the Michael Beale chapter.
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