Sunderland have announced the arrival of ex-QPR defender Joel Lynch on a free transfer, with the 31 year-old putting pen to paper on a one-year contract. 

One time Wales international Lynch, featured in 35 games for QPR last season as they finished in the lower echelons of the Championship table.

Having played much of his career in the second tier, this may be viewed as something of a coup for Sunderland after they recently released veteran defender Glenn Loovens.

We take a look at TWO pros and TWO cons of the Welshman's arrival on Wearside...

Pros

He is an experienced head

Having played for Nottingham Forest, Huddersfield and QPR respectively in the Championship, Lynch immediately takes on a role as one of the most experienced players in the Black Cats squad.

This experience will prove vital in Sunderland's push to get back into the championship this season, with Lynch available to not only organise but provide guidance to the squads younger and less experienced players on and off the pitch, thus making him the perfect replacement for Loovens who as mentioned, recently departed the Stadium of Light.

Versatility 

Being naturally left sided, Lynch also provides an able deputy at left back for youngster Denver Hume, having played there on several occasions for Huddersfield in particular.

This is an area which Sunderland have been seeking cover for a while, so therefore Jack Ross has in essence hit two birds with one stone by signing a player capable of playing multiple positions.

Cons

Passing ability

One of Lynch's weaknesses, as identified by WhoScored.com is his lack of passing ability.

This could affect his performances for Sunderland as Jack Ross has employed a expansive passing style which involves building the play up from the back via the centre backs receiving the ball directly from the goalkeeper at goal kicks.

This is something which may require a simple intervention in training to improve.

Bad discipline

Lynch has an unfortunate reputation for racking up yellow cards, and this rash nature is clearly shown by the 11 yellow cards that Lynch picked up in 35 league games for QPR last season.

Again, this is something Lynch will have to improve upon as this could cost Sunderland points in future games.