While most other Premier League clubs’ transfer targets are still the subject of idle tabloid speculation, Sunderland have wasted little time in restructuring their squad. Steve Bruce has completed nine deals in total during the close season, with this week’s double capture of Wes Brown and John O’Shea from his old club Manchester United the real headline-grabber thus far.
Sunderland’s defence proved a real source of frustration last season; the Black Cats picked up five clean sheets in seven games from the start of December (including a 3-0 win at Chelsea) and prompted plenty Fantasy investment, but their run-in saw the side subsequently record just another two clean sheets in the last sixteen fixtures. With enough points on the board early on ensuring relegation was never an issue, Bruce’s side seemed to switch off in the second half of the season and the capture of Brown and O’Shea will address this perceived mental fragility at the back.
The pair sign up on Wearside on undisclosed, four-year deals and the Sunderland boss, speaking after confirmation of both transfers, was clearly delighted:
“The one thing when I spoke to them repeatedly was how much they wanted to play, everything was positive. I think it sent out a little statement, if you like. It’s okay getting young boys from Man United, but to get two of them who’ve got nearly 850 appearances between them, I think it was a fair coup for us. They’ve both got a very, very good attitude as well.”
The Statistics
John O’Shea
The Irishman signed for Man United as a 17 year old from local club Waterford Bohemians. O’Shea made his debut in 1999 before heading off on loan to Bournemouth and Royal Antwerp, where he played a total of 25 games, scoring 1 goal.
Establishing himself in the United first-team in 2002-03, he played 30+ league games in four of the next five seasons but, as time has progressed, O’Shea’s role was more of a versatile squad member, capable of filling in when injury sidelined Sir Alex Ferguson’s first-choice options.
He’s subsequently made 30+ appearances in just one of the last four league campaigns, though with 32 appearances for United in all competitions last season, it’s clear he still had a role to play at Old Trafford. With both Da Silva twins, Rafael and Fabio, establishing themselves in Sir Alex’s thinking, O’Shea’s future game time was only going to diminish and the guarantee of first-team football on Wearside seems to have clinched the deal.
In total, the 30 year-old made 256 league appearances for United, scoring 10 goals, and has represented the Republic of Ireland on 70 occasions, scoring once.
Wes Brown
Brown was something of a prodigious talent; joining United’s football academy aged 12, he excelled as part of their youth side and signed full professional terms at the age of 17. Sir Alex was a huge fan early on, describing the player as “Without question, the best natural defender this club has had for years”.
In spite of such praise, Brown made 30+ league appearances in just one of his thirteen seasons at United, as a series of injuries blighted his Old Trafford career. With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand at the heart of defence and Gary Neville at right-back, Brown slipped further behind in the pecking order as younger reinforcements were introduced to the squad.
Brown’s opportunities have lessened as the seasons have gone by, with just 33 league appearances in the last three seasons a reflection of his standing within the first-team squad. Ferguson’s emphasis on buying up defensive potential brought Chris Smalling to the club last season and with the ex-Fulham man performing admirably in his debut season, Brown’s chances were further limited. The arrival of Phil Jones from Blackburn last month only emphasised the need for the 31 year old Brown’s departure and, providing he stays injury-free, a move to Sunderland will give his career a new lease of life.
In total, Brown played 232 league games for United, scoring 3 goals. He played 23 times for England, scoring once, before retiring from international football last year.
The Prospects
Bruce’s drastic overhaul of the Sunderland squad looks set to give the side an entirely new look next season and their ability to gel quickly will be crucial. The top-level experience both Brown and O’Shea bring to the Black Cats should bolster the back-four considerably and the pair’s versatility in defence gives Bruce plenty options.
O’Shea, in particular, looks a nailed-on starter, with right-back the more likely starting berth. Phil Bardsley played 29 times at left-back last season and seems to have made the position his own, though he may find himself sidelined by the new arrivals. Brown could also fill the right-back role, with O’Shea moving left and Bardsley on the bench.
Sunderland’s multitude of central defensive options means that, alternatively, Brown could partner any one of Titus Bramble, Anton Ferdinand, John Mensah or Michael Turner in the heart of the back-four. Bruce has recently claimed he is happy with the balance of the squad but one or maybe two of his centre-halves will surely be moved on before the end of August. Pre-season line-ups will go a long way to revealing just how Sunderland’s first XI will evolve next season.
In terms of chalking up clean sheets, Sunderland recorded 13 last season, up from 7 in the 2009/10 campaign. Their total was just 1 less than Liverpool and only 2 behind Man United and Chelsea; the Fantasy potential is clearly there and if a streak of consistency can be found, their defensive options could definitely be worth considering. A Fantasy Premier League (FPL) starting price of around 5.0 should be expected for both O’Shea and Brown.
