Sunderland have been struggling to score goals recently. Since Phil Parkinson took over the team, they have only scored more than one goal in a game on one occasion. In their last six games, they have scored just four and conceded seven (WhoScored.com).
This has prompted discussions around bringing in more firepower in the January window. Roker Report asked fans who they would be interested in bringing in to bolster their attacking play. Jonson Clarke-Harris and Sam Cosgrove were both mentioned by supporters.
Would love us to go for Jonson Clarke-Harris from Bristol Rovers offers both height and pace also looks capable of creating things himself. Was a right handful when we played Coventry away last season and has added goals to his game now
— Steven Elliott (@ElliottSAFC) November 17, 2019
I tweeted Clarke-Harris after we faced Coventry down there last season , he hadn’t scored for an age then notched against us. Was a right handful and in hindsight should have been brought in , in the January for buttons. A journeyman but in the right team would be a good player.
— StuT (@tenchylad) November 17, 2019
Cosgrove at Aberdeen. Big, powerful and puts himself about. Probably too expensive though
— ArbroathMackem (@ArbroathMackem) November 17, 2019
Some supporters didn’t think bringing in another striker would solve the problem. They blame Parkinson’s system and suggest it doesn’t allow the current forwards to flourish. Another blames the service from the midfield.
We struggle in front of goal because we only play one up front. We don’t have to bring in anyone – just play 4-3-3, have a go at other teams, and surely the likes of McNulty, Grigg, Wyke, Watmore etc will score regularly.
— Hummy (@eathummous1) November 17, 2019
It doesn’t matter who we get. We could have james vardy up there. The reality is the quality and final ball is simply pathetic. We don’t move it quick enough because we have 2 or 3 players who would rather take people on instead of playing a quick through ball.
— Michael Urwin (@MichaelUrwin4) November 17, 2019
Does it actually matter who we bring in though? We’re still going to be in this league come the end of the season, and the next season. We’re no where near good enough across the park to get promoted.
— GrantInRealLife (@GrantInRealLife) November 17, 2019
A few other fans, in desperation, were willing to call upon club legends to help get them out of the mess. They still have faith in Gary Rowell and Eric Gates, even in their 60s.
I would give Gary Rowell a phone call , see if he is available Saturday #Safc
— The Baz. (@paulbasnett10) November 17, 2019
Saw Eric Gates the other day, still looks in good shape
— Steven Cook (@StevenCook2111) November 17, 2019
What do we think?
There is still a month and a half until the transfer window is officially open. But it’s safe to assume that if the Parkinson is serious about bringing in a striker, he will already have a few targets outlined. Whoever he does bring in, however, will be required to make an instant impact if he wants to win over the fans.