Sunderland have today completed the signing of Forest Green Rovers captain Carl Winchester. The midfielder marks Black Cats boss Lee Johnson’s first signing since taking charge. Sunderland confirmed the signing via their official club website. The 27-year-old and Johnson are no strangers to each other having worked together while at Oldham Athletic.
Winchester, who had just six months left on his contract at Forest Green, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal.
Forest Green Rovers Captain Carl Winchester Signs For Sunderland
Johnson Warned of Unfashionable Signings
Earlier this month, Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson advised that he had a transfer wishlist but warned that some on the list may be classed as ‘unfashionable’ by some. Johnson said: “We’ve got very healthy lists and information to go with those lists, and I’m very conscious when bringing any player in that the group sits well with it.
“Sometimes it’ll be an unfashionable signing, sometimes it’ll be a fashionable signing – and I guess people just have to trust over a period of time that we make the right decision for the long-term future of the club in terms of getting better instantly and over a period of time.”
New Signing and Head Coach Delighted
Speaking to the clubs’ official website, the midfielder said: “It’s a massive club and once I heard about the interest, there was only one place I wanted to come.
“I’ll give my all for the team and I’ll go out there and wear my heart on my sleeve. The Head Coach believes in me and I believe in myself. I’m coming into my prime, so I’m hoping I can settle in well with the lads and kick on from there.”
Johnson added: “After assessing our squad and establishing the profile of midfielder we wanted to bring in, we evaluated all the elements, inclusive of the data, and felt that Carl was the right player to add to our squad.
“He is a good player who is in the prime of his career, and his versatility means he can play in a number of positions, ensuring he will also bring depth to our squad.
“When he was a young player at Oldham, every top club wanted him, which shows the potential he has always had. He has represented some good clubs, but in terms of division, we believe he has been playing below his natural level.”
Carl Winchester and Lee Johnson Know Each Other Well
New Black Cats signing Carl Winchester and head coach Lee Johnson are no strangers to each other. The midfielder played under Johnson when the now Sunderland head coach was the manager at Oldham Athletic. Winchester played for Johnson for three of his six-and-half-years at Oldham. The two will know each other well and Johnson will believe following the signing of him that the 27-year-old will be a good fit and add something extra to the current squad.
Who is Carl Winchester?
Northern Ireland international Winchester, has spent his entire career in England playing in League One or League Two. Following a move from his native country where he began his career at Linfield, the midfielder spent six-and-half-years at Oldham Athletic in League One. He made the Cheltenham Town in League Two before signing for Forest Green Rovers in 2018. Winchester has so far played over 320 games, scoring 25 goals.
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