Due to the size of the club and the momentum they built at the business end of last season, more is expected of the Black Cats next season than would usually be the case for a newly promoted team.

There is a healthy portion of the squad with experience playing in the Championship before, and they will be vital in helping what is a fairly youthful squad make the step up.

The Verdict

 

 

This was an essential piece of business for the Black Cats to complete before pre-season really gathers pace, and if Wright can carry on his form from the back end of last season, he will be a huge player in helping the club make the transition.

Neil initially focused on shoring up the defence to ensure that the Black Cats finished in the top six last season to begin with, and that made Wright a huge part of his plans, where the Aussie had not been prioritised in that way under Johnson.

The 29-year-0ld is more of a no nonsense defender than a ball player, but for what Sunderland need to do to make things comfortable for themselves next season, he is a perfect player to have in the dressing room.