Sunderland certainly seem to be on an upwards trajectory right now.
Just a few months ago, Sunderland fans were in uproar over the managerial situation.
The club was without a permanent manager for four months, and shortly before they honed in on Regis Le Bris, it looked as though the Sunderland owners and Kristjaan Speakman were back at square one.
But Le Bris is proving to be a hit. Sunderland also enjoyed a prolific deadline day too, bringing four new players to the Stadium of Light.
But Speakman and Le Bris will still have their eye on the club’s academy, which has produced the likes of Anthony Patterson, Dan Neil, and Chris Rigg in recent years.
Right now, there’s one name who’s been knocking on the door of the first-team squad for some time; Tom Watson.
He featured just once in the Championship last season and has been an unused substitute in the last two league outings under Le Bris, having yet to feature in the league this season.
On deadline day, Brighton had bids rejected for Watson, it was claimed.
Michael Graham predicts Tom Watson breakthrough at Sunderland
Watson, 18, is exciting Sunderland fans. And he’s recently given Le Bris more food for thought with an impressive goal for the U21s on Monday night.
Playing against Liverpool’s U21s in the Premier League 2, Watson weaved through several players before finishing, with the score ending 3-2 to Liverpool.
Despite the loss, Watson impressed. And journalist Michael Graham has backed the tricky left-winger to ‘announce himself’ in the Championship at some point this season.
Graham posted on X:
When will Tom Watson get his chance at Sunderland
Following the departure of Jack Clarke to Ipswich Town, a gap has opened up in the starting XI, and has quickly been filled by Romaine Mundle.
But since Clarke’s exit, Watson has stepped up to the bench, taking Mundle’s place.
So it looks like Watson will now play second fiddle to Mundle in that left wing position, and given the intensity and speed at which Sunderland play, Le Bris may be eager to rotate the side.
That could mean game time for Watson, and maybe even some starting spots across this season.
Watson is a very exciting, Clarke-type player, and like Graham predicts, he could make his mark on the Championship at some point this season, and set himself up for a bright career.
Right now though, Mundle is in good form, and it could be difficult for Watson to get on the pitch.