Former Sunderland forward Martin Smith believes "everything seems to be on the right path" before the club's return to the Premier League next month, with the Black Cats' transfer window spending already hitting £100m. "The intent of the signings has been refreshing compared with years gone by," Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle's Simon Pryde.
Former Sunderland forward Martin Smith believes "everything seems to be on the right path" before the club's return to the Premier League next month, with the Black Cats' transfer window spending already hitting £100m.
"The intent of the signings has been refreshing compared with years gone by," Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle's Simon Pryde. "We are doing it early and we are spending a lot of money.
"I'm sure the players that are coming in have a bit of realism about them that this isn't going to be easy, but they are coming to stay up and be Premier League players - there is no doubt about that.
"The lads that got to the Premier League with us, through the Championship, there is no way they are going to want to give up their spot in this league easily.
"Everything about the club seems to be on the right path, so there is no reason why it can't translate on the pitch as well."
On whether Sunderland should be looking at signing a 15-goal-per-season striker, Smith added: "The hardest thing about the Premier League is creating chances and being clinical with them. You're not going to get as many as you did in the Championship.
"Have we got someone like Kevin Phillips at the minute? Someone who can step into the Premier League and score that many goals? Probably not.
"I wouldn't be massively concerned if Eliezer Mayenda and Wilson Isidor were leading the line, though, because you don't know how players are going to step up. You see lads going into the Premier League and taking it by storm, but I would still like to see someone with a bit more proven quality."
Listen to the full conversation on BBC Sounds
Category: General Sports
