‘Excellent news, gives us another option’ – Many Sunderland fans react to fresh club announcement

Lee Johnson has secured his first signing since becoming Sunderland manager – with midfielder Carl Winchester joining from League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers.

Johnson’s men were held to a frustrating draw by Hull City on Saturday evening, but have been given a boost less than 12 hours after the game following the arrival of the Green Devils’ captain.

Winchester moved from rivals Cheltenham in the summer of 2018, and appeared more than 100 times during his three seasons at The New Lawn.

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The 27-year-old’s arrival at the Stadium of Light also sees him reunite with Johnson – with the two having previously worked together during their days at Oldham Athletic back in 2017.

Winchester is a Northern Ireland international, although his one and only cap for his country came almost a decade ago against Wales.

Sunderland are going to need further additions in the January window if they’re going to play themselves into promotion contention during the second-half of the campaign, but the signing of Winchester is a positive start to what could be a crucial month for the Stadium of Light outfit.

Here’s how the Black Cats faithful reacted to Winchester’s arrival on Twitter:

We need a striker and a goalkeeper not another average CM. sorry to be a bore

— James (@jxmes123) January 10, 2021

If he can run faster than a wardrobe then he'll dee for me

— Adam Hegarty (@AdamHegarty19) January 10, 2021

If he can kick a ball he's an immediate upgrade on Power and Dobson…

— SteveB (@Fantanafest73) January 10, 2021

Brilliant signing tbf

— Jamie (@JamieSAFC_) January 10, 2021

Excellent news! Hopefully he can bring a ‘point of difference’ to our midfield. It’s all much of a muchness in the middle right now, so with a bit of luck, Winchester can give us another option in that position! #SAFC 🔴⚪️ https://t.co/E3bY6QpaX6

— Philip West (@Philip_RJ89) January 10, 2021

Let’s hope he brings something fresh to the midfield. Johnson knows him well from working with him before so hopefully that’ll help him hit the ground running. What’s people’s thoughts? https://t.co/02xaLCkd7r

— A LOVE SUPREME (@ALS_Fanzine) January 10, 2021

Class, get him in that squad for the pizza Trophy on Tuesday https://t.co/6CgVo4s25f

— Huggan (@LukeHuggan) January 10, 2021

Welcome, now please make our midfield more productive 😂😭

— Lewis Baxter (@LBaxterrr) January 10, 2021

First piece of the jigsaw, welcome Carl🔴⚪️ https://t.co/zd5YmNPgMI

— David Hindmarsh (@DavidHindmarsh7) January 10, 2021