After an injury that ruled out Craig Gordon for the first three months of the season, manager Steve Bruce was mulling over his options. The manager was considering whether he should aim to purchase a young up and coming goalkeeper or an experienced one on what could be potentially a short term deal.
With Marton Fulop linked with a reunion with his former manager Roy Keane at Ipswich Town, Bruce’s options were limited. As the club began exploring them, the name David James popped into conversation.
By this time, James had turned 40 years of age and had just been released after the expiry of his contract at Portsmouth. This interested Bruce as he thought he could be the ideal short term option at the Stadium of Light.
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Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty ImagesWith young Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet essentially Sunderland’s only option, Bruce was uncertain as to whether he was prepared to start with Mignolet as his number one goalkeeper. He also spoke about his admiration for James, although didn’t specify the length of a ‘short term’ contract.
He’s still England’s number one goalkeeper. He’d be a good short term signing for us.
But what we have to decide now is to whether make a signing or whether the two young keepers that we have are ready for the Premier League.
James’ agent further confirmed that talks between the goalkeeper and Sunderland had taken place but added that there was issues surrounding the length of the contract. Colin Gordon suggested that they were keen on a one year deal with the club appearing to favour one a little shorter.
The agent also hinted that James may not be too happy to settle for second choice goalkeeper when the Craig Gordon was back from injury.
David would be interested in a move to Sunderland.
They are a big Premier League club with an excellent manager. I know Steve Bruce well and we are having ongoing talks. We are hopeful that something can be done but Sunderland already have Craig Gordon, who is a top-class keeper, and once he returns from injury that could complicate matters.
From what I understand about Craig’s injury, if David were to join Sunderland then he would have two to three months to show what he is capable of. What happens after that would be up to Steve Bruce, but we are looking for at least a one-year deal.
Colin Gordon reinforced the neccessity of a one year deal as the key stumbling block and unlike usual bad transfer dealings in the past, Sunderland stuck to their guns and maintained they wanted the goalkeeper on a six month contract as cover up.
James appeared to know his worth and wasn’t settling for anything less than this. Sunderland’s stubborness didn’t and wasn’t setplease the goalkeeper who after these discussions on this day, rejected a contract for Sunderland stating the fact that he wanted a one year deal.
News outlets then went on to link the player with Glasgow Celtic who he also had talks with before the Scottish giants rejected the opportunity to sign the goalkeeper due to his demands.
As it transpired, James joined Bristol City and played almost ninety games for the club whilst Bruce threw Mignolet into the deep end where the Belgian certainly flourished.
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