Kristjaan Speakman says Sunderland had to resist the temptation to be selfish and instead do the right thing by Bailey Wright and allow him to leave on loan last month. Australia international defender Wright made a deadline day loan move to Championship strugglers Rotherham United, joining the Millers until the end of the season.
The 30-year-old had been an integral part of the Sunderland side that earned promotion from League One last season via the play-offs, but had started just two Championship games this term and was looking to play more regularly. Sporting director Speakman says Wright's qualities as a player and as a man would have have been an asset for Sunderland this season, but admits the club had to take into account the player's desire to play first-team football.
"His impact on and off the pitch in the time I have been here has been nothing short of outstandingly positive," said Speakman. "These are really difficult scenarios because your inner-selfishness says keep him around the group because he can have such a positive impact - and I do appreciate we have a very young group, and we are taking out some of that experience.
