Ex-Black Cats forward: Sunderland struggle to sign stars due to relegation fear

Shoot!‘s Josh Carr recently caught up with former Sunderland forward, Martin Smith, as part of our new ‘Where are they now?‘ series.

Here; the ex-Black Cat, who is now a football agent with Base Soccer Agency, opens up about the Premier League club’s struggles to sign new personnel due to their recent relegation scraps at the bottom end of the top-flight standings…

Current Black Cats boss David Moyes seems keen to bring through youth players, is that something that pleases you?

“Yes it is brilliant. I think over the last few years, there’s been a few players that would have probably been put in earlier if the first-team had been in a better situation.

“I’d say now we’re in the same situation, but maybe not as big a squad as there has been in the past. Especially early in the season there’s been a few lads given the chance.

“Goochy [Lynden Gooch] has got in there and took his chance and a few boys had a chance in the cup game and I think when they’ve gone in, they’ve done well.

“You’ve just got to be wary that they aren’t going to be able to play every game of the season, but it’s nice to see a few of them introduced. Moyes has got a history of giving the younger lads a chance, which for the younger lads is great.

“If they can see there’s going to be an opportunity, it’s good for them. There’s nothing worse than going in, training all the time, and thinking ‘well I’m never going to play for this first-team’ you know?

“It gives them a hope as well.”

Gooch, 20, has made seven first-team appearances for the Black Cats so far this season – Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

Are there any players on your books that you think could make a breakthrough at Sunderland?

“Well you take them on thinking hopefully they all can, but the reality is probably one or two [can]. There’s been players there in the past who’ve been released, your John Egan or Craig Lynch who I looked after, who I thought might have really went on and done it, but a lot of things go on behind the scenes such as injuries and change of managers.

“Unfortunately, sometimes it’s not just down to the ability and dedication. Most of the boys there have potential and ability it just comes down as to whether it’s the right time and when you get your chance, to take it like Goochy.”

Sunderland always seem to struggle to agree personal terms, just how hard is it to strike a deal for a player?

“Well I’ve not got to that level yet, but I’ve been involved with people who have. I think the main problem with Sunderland is because we’ve struggled for the last few years.

“Player’s wages will be reduced if we go down, so a transfer to a club that’s been in relegation trouble for numerous years isn’t really a great sell. It’s hard to say as a Sunderland fan, but it isn’t a great sell for players who want to play in the Premier League.

“You look at our best signings in Lamine Kone and Jan Kirchhoff. We got Kirchhoff because he was injured and wasn’t getting a game. So that’s the sort of players you’re looking at really.”

The way this season is going, I’m sure many Sunderland fans will hope Smith can find us the next Lionel Messi to help save our season!