Sunderland’s ownership troubles have been going on for quite some time.
Stewart Donald has attracted widespread criticism from supporters for the vast majority of the season and not even putting the club up for sale was enough to provide a ray of positivity.
They slammed him mercilessly after that decision, but in the same statement, he revealed that sufficient funds would be placed towards building the squad.
However, the Black Cats refused to really splash the cash, bringing in players on loan and on a free transfer in January.
It was the opposite of what was promised but Donald’s finances did at least help bring in one hand-wrapped gift for Sunderland supporters to get giddy over.
That happened to be Bailey Wright, a player who has been an immense performer at the back for the Black Cats.
After arriving on loan from Bristol City, the Australian had a hand in keeping four clean sheets in five games. The only match he failed to register a shut-out was when the Mackems lost 2-0 to Portsmouth.
An imperious figure, he established an instant connection and affection with Phil Parkinson’s system.
The trouble is, he’s now out for an extended period of time. The club confirmed he could miss as many as 12 weeks of the campaign with an ankle problem, delivering a potentially season-defining blow to Sunderland given his instant success at the Stadium of Light.
Will Wright end up playing for Sunderland again? Only time will tell, but it’s certainly not something that Parkinson has ruled out. The 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and should they be interested in doing so, he could arrive on a free transfer.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the clash with Bristol Rovers he commented: “We’ve made no decisions on his long-term future at the moment because there’s a lot of this season left. He’s going to stay with us for his rehab because he’s moved up into the area, so we will have plenty of opportunities to chat with him.”
That suggests the door could be open for a permanent switch in the summer – cue another shiny gift from the Sunderland owner.
For away day veterans only: Can you name all of these defunct stadiums?
If he really is to sell the club in the future then sorting a permanent deal for someone who’s had such a large impact on the squad would be a fine way to end his tenure.
Donald hasn’t got an awful lot right on Wearside but this is a small opportunity to ensure he leaves in fans’ good books. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Meanwhile, Sunderland could have ANOTHER Laurens De Bock on their hands…
