Sunderland have been rumoured to sign Rangers’ Greg Docherty in recent days and former Celtic player Jackie McNamara thinks it would be a very good move for the midfielder.
What did he say?
McNamara was very complimentary of the Black Cats in his assessment of Docherty’s potential switch, and whether it would be of benefit to the 23-year-old.
The Rangers man has already experienced League One and shown that he can excel at that level with 21 goal contributions for Shrewsbury last season, so he may be looking to test himself at a higher level.
However, McNamara argues that the Stadium of Light could be ideal due to the size of the club and the pressure involved in playing for the north-east outfit.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said:
“They’re a passionate lot down there, so that would be a good move for him as it’s still a big club. Obviously they need to get out of the division, and they’ll be under pressure in every game and it’ll be good for him to learn to handle that if he is to have a future at Rangers.
“Sunderland aren’t a League One club, they’re special. Yes they’re in that division, but they’re not a League One club in any shape or form. So it could be a good platform for him.”
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Good move for both parties
Supporters will likely enjoy what the ex-Scotland international has to say but although there is truth in his words, they mean little for Sunderland right now and won’t help them to promotion.
Being a big club could make Docherty more willing to join, but at the forefront in his mind will likely be his own development, and how best he can aid that.
Phil Parkinson had a difficult start at the Black Cats but he has turned it around since Christmas with a run of seven games without defeat, as well as showing that he can get the best out of players, with Chris Maguire and Lynden Gooch particularly impressing under him.
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They have made five and four goal contributions respectively over the past five games and if Docherty looks at their form he should be persuaded to make the move, which Keith Downie suggests could now be in doubt.
The appeal of the big crowds McNamara alludes to should also serve Sunderland well, not just to lure in Docherty but the likes of Bailey Wright, too, who has also been linked with a move to the north-east.
If Parkinson can continue to get things right on the pitch until the end of the month then the chances of signing players should become greater, and they may just have a squad capable of winning promotion by the end of the window.
In other news, Sunderland have been busy off the field in a bid to enhance their shot at returning to the Championship this year.
