Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has provided his view on Tommy Watson’s move to Brighton ahead of the game against West Brom.
Sunderland have much to play for in the final weeks of the season as they look to put themselves in the best possible place ahead of the play-offs. While they can still achieve automatic promotion, it is unlikely that SAFC pull off a nine-point turnover.
The Black Cats face a difficult few days this weekend with games against two sides competing for the final two play-off spots. With West Brom and Norwich City coming up, Regis Le Bris has been handed a fresh issue after Tommy Watson’s move to Brighton this summer was confirmed on Tuesday.
sheffield united captain jack robinson and sunderland star tommy watson SAFC SUFC
Image courtesy of: LEE SMITH/REUTERS.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s game with West Brom, Le Bris was asked about Watson and his possible selection. As relayed by the Sunderland Echo, he said:
“The timing is not ideal but at the same time, we know that Tommy has had many offers from Premier League clubs before. We declined and tried to renew his contract, but it wasn’t possible at the end.
“So it’s his decision and we have to move on. I hope it’s a positive outcome for the club financially at least and for our future.”
Le Bris added that he believes Sunderland academy graduate Watson will remain professional and confirmed he will still be in contention for first-team appearances.
“I think Tommy will be involved because he is professional.
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“If Tommy plays well, he will play.”
Does Le Bris have a choice?
Watson has only started seven games across the season, and they only came in the main when Romaine Mundle was injured. In fairness to the 18-year-old, he has also spent a lot of this season on the treatment table too.
SAFC - sunderland duo chris mepham and romaine mundle
Image courtesy of: PETER CZIBORRA/REUTERS.
However, this move has thrown a spanner in the works for Sunderland considering the importance of the next two months. He needs to decide whether Watson is up for the task in the fight SAFC have ahead of them.
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Le Bris has Enzo Le Fee returning this weekend as well as summer signing Milan Aleksic waiting in the wings. It will be interesting to see how much involvement Watson has in the remaining few games.
Has he already shown his hand?
After Brighton’s push to sign Watson on deadline day last January, fans believed Watson had his head turned. Considering his lack of game time since, that could well be the case.
Since his return from injury, Watson has only started one game for Sunderland. In that game, he lasted less than an hour before Mundle was brought on in his place.
The move being announced this week could also explain his lack of involvement on Saturdays. SAFC were down to the bare bones due to injury and Le Bris only gave Watson two minutes of game time late on.
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