Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has stressed the importance of finding balance in the squad as he and his team look forward to a busy and productive summer. The Black Cats will need to refresh and improve the squad for Championship football after they beat Wycombe Wanderers in the League One playoff final.
Speakman has received criticism from fans for his recruitment, much of which has brought in young and exciting talent. But a lack of balance between them and the experienced heads led to a huge wobble at the start of the new year. Alex Neil showed his intelligence in pulling the likes of Dan Neil, Elliot Embleton and Callum Doyle out of the firing line before reintroducing Embleton to score the opener at Wembley.
And the former Birmingham City academy manager explained how this summer is crucial in applying balance and experience to a squad that can compete in the second-tier - but that doesn’t always mean bringing in older heads.
