Sunderland slipped out of the Carabao Cup last night, going down on penalties against Oxford United.
After knocking out two Premier League sides in the earlier rounds, the Black Cats looked lacklustre and leggy against Karl Robinson’s promotion hunting side. After drawing 1-1 in normal time, two missed penalties handed the tie to the home side.
Stephen Elliott played 88 times for Sunderland, bagging 21 goals before a move to Wolves. He represented Eire and ending his playing career in the north east with Morpeth Town and has seen his fair share of ups and downs.
Commenting on last night’s game via Twitter, he singled out Will Grigg for criticism, claiming the club have to try to offload him as quickly as possible.
“Grigg looks as if he’s in a real unhappy place on the pitch,” he said.
“I’d try to offload him and get another in for sake of both player and club in Jan. Looks more like 300K forwards rather than 3-4 mill one. Shame as he has ability but just wrong fit. Would have to take a big loss on him though.”
Grigg joined the Black Cats for £4m in January but has endured a torrid time in on Wearside. He’s struggled for goals and fitness and has seen his first team place slide away from him.
He’s been a success at this level with the likes of Wigan and MK Dons in the past, but it’s just not happening right now. With Southend next up for Sunderland in the league, they’re hoping to grab some points but Grigg is unlikely to play a starring role.
Our View
When your fellow professionals start calling you out, things have gone too far. It’s obvious to everyone Grigg is struggling, those connected with Sunderland and simple layman such as I watching on from afar.
They’re in catch 22 though; they can’t sell as few will meet his huge fee. They’re trapped paying his wages and hoping he’ll turn good.
Sunderland are a big club though and there are no hiding places for the forward. It’s not going to get easier as these bad results keep racking up either.
