Sunderland signed Aiden McGeady in the summer of 2017 with one hope, of returning to the Premier League.
The Everton winger had spent the previous season on loan at Preston North End and had impressed very much. It was a deal that suited both clubs. Sunderland would be getting a good Championship star, whilst Everton could unload of a player they felt was not of their club’s standards.
This is shown by the reaction from fans on Twitter. The Toffees were over the moon to see the end of the Ireland international’s stint at Goodison Park, while The Black Cats thought they had made a great signing for such a small price.
Everton also laughed at the fact that Sunderland was becoming a club full of their rejects.
Everyone seemed happy. This is what the fans had to say:
Worst player we’ve had in about 15 years
— All things Everton (@OnlyEverton1878) 13 July 2017
Think they’ll be good for championship tbf
— Ben Warburton (@ben_warbie) 14 July 2017
Sunderland AFC. In other words Everton wasteland.
— Magnus Ankerstjerne (@Ankerstjerne04) 13 July 2017
Proper decent signings! Bring on the championship
— Hannah (@brownh1989) 13 July 2017
Good announcement lads
— (@SR5Paul) 13 July 2017
Should have went for mcgeady last season,good good player
— lee cotton (@leecotton74) 13 July 2017
McGeady is a class signing
— Matt (@Acqulesce_) 13 July 2017
A month ago I was not excited about the upcoming season. The mood is a bit different now
— Daniel Jenks (@DanielJenks89) 13 July 2017
Quality bit of business, well done lads. Ha’way
— Tom (@tom0243) 13 July 2017
“League one here we come”
— Lee Silverwood (@silverwood_lee) 13 July 2017
A year later and Sunderland’s fortunes have changed dramatically. An injury hampered season for the 92-cap international meant that he was only able to play nine times in the Championship for The Black Cats.
They could have done with him, as the club slumped to a second successive relegation. Now in League One, it is up to the former Everton wide man to help rebuild the club, and provide everything that he promised to bring when signing last summer.
While some fans may have sarcastically been expecting to descend to League One, their jokes came true as Sunderland finished rock bottom of the Championship.
