Sunderland have completed the signing of free agent centre-back Tommy Smith to help solve the defensive gap left by the injury to Bailey Wright.

January saw Sunderland manager Phil Parkinson move to strengthen at both ends of the pitch to address some glaring shortcomings and brought in a number of players to help do just that, which has paid huge dividends.

The Black Cats are in stunning form at the moment as they sit just three points off the automatic promotion places after a great run since the turn of the New Year. It has been in no small part down to the defensive recruitment of Bailey Wright from Bristol City.

The Australian international hit the ground running with four clean sheets in his first five league appearances for Sunderland, helping them to impressive wins over the likes of Ipswich Town and Oxford United, among others.

However, the club were rocked by the injury sustained to the on-loan defender when he was ruled out for eight to 12 weeks following his ankle injury sustained against Oxford United late on in the narrow win.

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With the transfer window now shut, they have set their sights on the free agents market and have now confirmed the signing of Tommy Smith on a free transfer, subject to international clearance.

The New Zealand international last played in the MLS for Colorado Rapids, having had a lengthy spell at Portman Road with the Tractor Boys. He arrives at Wearside on a deal that lasts until the end of the 2019/20 campaign.

The 29-year-old had this to say to the club’s official website on the move: “I know a lot about the club – the history and the fan base. I am delighted to be a part of it and hopefully, I can help push the team up towards the Championship. 

“I’ve heard about the Stadium of Light and the atmosphere that is generated and I am just really excited to step out there for the first time and hopefully success can follow. 

“I see myself as a leader on and off the pitch so hopefully I can use that to be a good addition to the squad.” 

With the Black Cats managing to move quickly to cover the injury to Wright, we take a look at how Sunderland fans reacted to the news of Smith being the man to step in at the Stadium of Light, with a number of Ipswich fans also keen to express their glowing opinions on the defender...

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