If I were a Sunderland fan I would be really worried about my club's Premier League aspirations after they secured a deal for Titus Bramble.
Not only did Bramble used to play for the club's archrivals Newcastle, but he is also known across the country as a calamitous defender.
Last season Sunderland finished 13th in the table and, given the right additions to the squad, the Premier League betting odds suggest they could push on into the Premier League top ten and also go for European qualification.
Steve Bruce has done his usual thing this summer and brought in players from across the globe, but it is his English deal which is causing the most concern.
I know Bramble played under Bruce at Wigan and has improved in recent years, but he has hit the stage of his career, at 29 years of age, when he should be at his peak, but he still looks susceptible to cock-ups of the highest order.
Sunderland already have Michael Turner, Anton Ferdinand, Paulo da Silva and Mathew Kilgallon who are capable of playing at the heart of the defence and have also been linked with getting John Mensah back - who spent the last season on loan at the Stadium of Light and looked impressive for Ghana at the World Cup.
The addition of Bramble seems a strange move, Bruce seems to be accumulating defenders and he could have his hands full trying to keep all these players happy.
In order for Sunderland to push on into the Premier League top ten they really need someone to take some of the goalscoring burden off Darren Bent. Kenwyne Jones flatters to deceive and Fraizer Campbell has not done enough to show he is a quality back-up. Bent's Premier League top scorer odds are relatively short, but he can't be expected to carry the team.
Also a replacement for the departed Lorik Cana could be required to bring some creativity to the centre of midfield.
Bruce could have a quality squad at his disposal allowing Sunderland to push on next season, but I bet I am not the only football fan questioning his thinking when it comes to Bramble. |
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