Simon Grayson is 'safe pair of hands' that can stabilise Sunderland, says Marco Gabbiadini
Thursday 29 June 2017 21:21, UK
Ex-Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini has described Simon Grayson's appointment as manager as a "relief" and he believes the 47-year-old will bring much-needed stability to Wearside.
The Black Cats appointed Grayson on a three-year deal from Preston North End on Thursday following a protracted search for David Moyes' successor that was complicated by a potential club takeover.
That takeover has been shelved by current owner Ellis Short and although Gabbiadini admits Grayson is not the "sexy" signing fans may have wanted, he believes he is the right one in the club's current predicament.
Gabbiadini told Sky Sports News HQ: "I played county football with Simon years and years ago. I know him quite well.
"He's probably a very safe pair of hands, someone who knows the league, who is probably going to have to work within a modest budget.
"Fans want a sexy appointment and I don't think Simon fits the bill on that front but I think we need that stability, and to get the club on strong and stable foundations. I think he ticks a lot of boxes.
"Probably relief is the first emotion. There's been so much turmoil and waiting for a decision on this takeover that hasn't come to fruition.
"I think it's really important for the club to get some stability and get moving forward. As last summer proved, if you don't get your pre-season work right it's very difficult to get a season together."
Sunderland were relegated to the Sky Bet Championship as the Premier League's bottom club, ending a 10-year stay in the top flight in which they had flirted with relegation in nine of them.
The club's finances are not on secure footing, with the owner keen to sell, and Gabbiadini is concerned they are not in the right shape to be able to bounce back at the first time of asking.
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"One thing Sunderland have been good at over the last decade is getting promoted out of the Championship," he said. "They'll be looking to do that as soon as possible.
"But, talking to fans, they're worried that might not happen this time. It's a very strong Championship. Teams have got good budgets and Sunderland are lagging behind a bit there."
