Sunderland manager Roy Keane continues to surround
himself with familiar faces at the Stadium of Light, with former
team-mates Danny Higginbotham and Ian Harte both joining the club
alongside new £6million striker Kenwyne Jones today.
In a busy day of transfer of activity at the club, forward Stern
John has gone in the opposite direction as Jones, joining
Southampton. The trio of signings represent decisive action from
the Black Cats boss as he pores over his team's 3-0 reverse at the
hands of Championship side Luton in the Carling Cup second-round
last night and take his tally of summer arrivals to
12.
Jones, a 22-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international,
effectively went on strike last week after declaring he no longer
wanted to play for the Saints and - although fellow Premiership
newcomers Derby were reported to be interested - Sunderland made
their move.
Keane told the club's website: 'I'm delighted that Kenwyne is a
Sunderland player. He was very keen to join this club and that is
always a good thing. 'He is a big strong boy who is quick and
athletic too. He has real physical presence and is the type of
player we've been missing.''
Defensive pair Higginbotham and Harte both played alongside their
new manager before his retirement and join a growing number of
former colleagues signed by the 36-year-old since his appointment a
year ago.
Former Leeds full-back Harte, who has moved to Wearside on a free
transfer after a successful trial, was a Republic of Ireland
team-mate of Keane, who was at Manchester United at the same time
as Higginbotham. The 28-year-old centre-half, who will cost
£3million from Stoke, started his career at Old Trafford but made
just seven senior appearances before leaving for Derby.
Manchester United alumni Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Liam Miller and
Kieran Richardson have been united on Wearside, while defensive
pair Stanislav Varga and Ross Wallace shared a pitch with their
boss during his time with Celtic. Striker David Connolly and
midfielder Graham Kavanagh, like Miller and Harte, played with
Keane at international level. Keane has expressed his delight at
agreeing terms with players he knows and trusts, with Harte signing
a one-year deal and Higginbotham agreeing terms on a four-year
contract.
Harte, 29, said: 'It's great to be back in the Premier League and
I'm raring to go. I want to get playing as soon as possible. 'This
is a good opportunity for me at a massive club like Sunderland and
there are plenty of Irish lads here to make me feel welcome.'
