Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has admitted to a feeling of 'real disappointment' after Everton's decision to recall Ellis Simms.
Simms joined the Black Cats on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window and had scored seven times in 17 Championship appearances, four of which had arrived in his last six outings, before the Blues activated a clause in his contract to cut short his stay in the north east.
Sunderland lost star striker Ross Stewart to injury at the start of this season, enabling Simms to play a starring role in the side as they challenge for a place in the play-offs upon their return to the second tier. This loan arrived on the back of Nathan Broadhead's successful spell at the Stadium of Light last season, with the Everton forward scoring ten times in 20 third tier appearances as the club clinched promotion from League One.
