Sbragia is short of numbers and talent

Apr 7 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

Sunderland have 10 players (Greg Halford, Roy O’Donovan, Arnau Caldentey Riera, Darren Ward, Jordan Henderson, Liam Miller, Trevor Carson, Michael Liddle, Anthony Stokes and Michael Chopra) on loan to Football League sides at present.

But you would be hard-pushed to argue any would strengthen Sbragia’s playing pool. Only Henderson, Carson and Liddle are youngsters who have been sent out for experience, the rest are

players who have looked out of their depth in the Premier League.

Part of Sbragia’s brief when he was appointed as manager in December was to trim a squad which had become unwieldy. Graham Kavanagh, Ross Wallace, Pascal Chimbonda, El-Hadji Diouf and Rade Prica were sold, and another six loaned out. In their place came loan signings Tal Ben-Haim and Calum Davenport. It left Sbragia with a squad of 24 senior players.

One of the many Sunderland players on loan at present is the versatile Halford. And while his career in the North East seemed to have run its course when he was loaned to Sheffield United, the 24-year-old has not ruled out a return to the Stadium of Light.

Halford has become a key part of a Blades side which has reeled in his old club Reading, and can move above them into third with victory over Barnsley tonight. He has started only 10 Premier League matches since joining Reading in January 2007, compared to 25 league starts for Sheffield United. He has not played for Sunderland since December of that year.

“I knew I was going to be here for the year and I moved into a house as quickly as possible to try and get some roots down,” said Halford, loaned to Charlton for the second half of last season.

“I want promotion more than anything, that’s what is on my mind at the minute. I’m open-minded about the summer. It’s down to the manager (Kevin Blackwell) whether he wants to sign me. Nothing’s been said.

“I’ve two years left on my Sunderland contract, so we will just have to see what happens.”

Blackwell is a confirmed fan, saying: “Greg’s a nomad. It’s the first time he’s been at a club for 12 months in three or four years (since Halford was at Colchester).

“He’s been doing six months here, six months there and never felt settled. Greg’s a talented kid and I’m not sure he realises how good he can be.”