Fans' inquiries about Sunderland's recruitment policy and striker concerns are addressed by Kristjaan Speakman.

Kristjaan Speakman responds to fan questions on Sunderland recruitment policy and striker issues

Sunderland club officials met with the supporter collective earlier this month

Kristjaan Speakman responds to fan questions on Sunderland recruitment policy and striker issues

Sunderland club officials met with the supporter collective earlier this month

Speakman said that they had made ‘significant’ efforts to address the issue and add more experience in January, but that that they had been unable to do so for reasons outside of the clubs control.

“KS stated that last summer the Club identified players to play in the team, who to date have found it difficult to impact the central role with a regularity of goals,” the minutes read.

“He added that any lack of output has not been through a lack of effort or work on the training field. The Club continually review all aspects of performance, including forward play, and they are seeking ways to improve. This includes the central position and other areas of the pitch where goal contributions have also not been as high as anticipated.

“The Club also feel they need to prepare for the future, as they don’t believe challenging market conditions will change,” the minutes add. “As a result, they have invested in some younger profile players like Luis Hemir and Eliezer Mayenda and retained exciting talents in the academy, such as Timur Tutierov and Trey Ogunsuyi. KS added that in January, the Club made significant

efforts to sign two forwards where the associated fees were considerable. Unfortunately, they were not able to complete these deals for reasons outside of the Club’s control, including the individual preferences of the players and their parent Clubs. One of these players was over 30 years of age, which was an area highlighted earlier.”