Source: Northern_Echo
Lack of quality threatens to undermine Sunderland’s progression
FIRMLY established as the North-East's top dogs, boasting one of the leading strikers in the England squad and supported by an American owner who continues to pump significant sums into the coffers. On the face of it, life at Sunderland could hardly be better.[LNB] Yet as Steve Bruce prepares for his second season in the manager's chair, there is a nagging sense of unease ahead of the start of the new campaign.[LNB] After last season's 13th place, has this summer's transfer activity set the Black Cats up for a top-half finish[LNB] Titus Bramble is the most eye-catching, and controversial, of the summer arrivals.[LNB] The centre-half was a snip at £1m, but his error-prone reputation at Newcastle means he will be afforded little leeway if things do not go to plan in the early stages of his Sunderland career.[LNB] Fellow defender Nedum Onuoha seems a safer bet, and his versatility should benefit a backline that was stretched on more than one occasion last season.[LNB] Cristian Riveros performed impressively for Paraguay at the World Cup, but like Argentinian fullback Marcos Angeleri and versatile Egyptian Ahmed al- Muhammadi, it might well take him time to settle into the pace and rhythm of the English game.[LNB] The same is true of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, whose importance increased markedly when Craig Gordon sustained yet another serious arm injury.[LNB] The Scotsman will miss the first six or seven matches, and after Bruce was denied permission to sign David James on a shortterm basis, Mignolet will have to hit the ground running as he prepares to make his Premier League bow.[LNB] Keeping out goals was a problem last season, especially away from home, but scoring could be an issue this term if Darren Bent fails to repeat his heroics from his maiden campaign in the North-East.[LNB] The England international performed superbly as he scored 24 Premier League goals last season, and the Black Cats will be relying on a similar haul again.[LNB] Fraizer Campbell has impressed in pre-season, but with Kenwyne Jones having departed in an £8m move to Stoke, Sunderland will be more reliant than ever on Bent's goalscoring prowess despite the arrival of Danny Welbeck on loan.[LNB] Bruce has pledged to strengthen his attacking options in the wake of Jones' departure with the mood on Wearside becoming increasingly militant, it could be the most important signing of his tenure so far.[LNB] If he can land a big-name striker before the end of the month, the Black Cats boss will be happy with his lot.[LNB] With Lee Cattermole and Jordan Henderson ready to push for full England honours in midfield, and David Meyler set to return from injury before the end of the year, there are justified reasons to be optimistic.[LNB] How far that optimism stretches, however, remains to be seen. Progress is attainable, even if a giant leap forward seems unrealistic.[LNB]
