Sunderland, despite the loss of Jack Clarke, are still going strong.
Sunderland fans and indeed the owners may have expected Jack Clarke to move on this summer.
It comes after another strong season in the Championship for the 23-year-old winger who scored 15 times in the league last season, despite Sunderland finishing in a disappointing 16th place.
Clarke sealed a £15million move to Ipswich Town in August, with the fee rising to £20million with add-ons.
Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland have now played twice without Clarke, and they’ve won both games, maintaining their perfect start to the new season.
The Black Cats sit in 1st place of the Championship table following their 3-1 win vs Portsmouth last time out.
In Clarke’s absence, Romaine Mundle has stepped up to the plate, scoring two in two since Clarke’s exit from the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland signed Mundle from Standard Liege last January in a reported £2million deal.
Since arriving, the 21-year-old has scored three goals in 15 Championship outings.
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Dan Neil verdict on Jack Clarke and Romaine Mundle at Sunderland
Speaking on the 72+ EFL Podcast, Sunderland captain Dan Neil spoke honestly about Clarke’s move to Ipswich Town, and about Mundle’s recent form.
Neil said of Clarke: “He deserves that move to the Premier League.
“I don’t think anybody took the huff that he left and went to the Premier League, because we all understood that he deserved it, and he should go on and challenge himself.
“But credit to the club, we brought Romaine Mundle in last January, and in pre-season he’s been one of the best players in training, for me. And if Jack Clarke stayed then he [Mundle] might not have got that chance.
“But Romaine’s came in and he’s took his chance with both hands.”
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Sunderland owners deserve credit for Jack Clarke handling
Losing Clarke was always going to be tough for Sunderland, given the impact he had in the starting XI.
And Kyril Louis-Dreyfus may be annoyed about the fee his side have received for Clarke, which may not be representative of just how good he is.
But like Neil says, bringing in Mundle last January allowed him half a season to get to grips with the Championship, and a full pre-season to come in and do what he’s doing now.
It shows the clear process of planning from the club and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman, who deserves huge amounts of praise for the positive, ongoing transfer business at Sunderland.
Sunderland’s next fixture is way vs Plymouth Argyle later this month.