Tony Mowbray makes admission over Ellis Simms’ potential return to Sunderland | OneFootball

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray admits that he is keen for striker Ellis Simms to return to the club from Everton before the transfer window closes next week.

Simms was recalled by the Toffees last month after impressive first half of the season on loan at the Stadium of Light where he scored seven goals and provided two assists in 17 appearances, with then manager Frank Lampard deciding he was needed back at Goodison Park for their Premier League survival fight.

But Simms has made just two substitute top flight appearances since his return to Merseyside, while speculation about his future has gathered pace after Lampard’s sacking earlier this week.

The Black Cats’ need for attacking reinforcements was underlined after Ross Stewart was stretchered off in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Fulham in the FA Cup at Craven Cottage.

Stewart has missed much of the season through injury and Mowbray fears the Scotsman could be sidelined for a “long, long time”, increasing the need for further new additions after Joe Gelhardt’s arrival on loan from Leeds United.

Everton are expected to announce the appointment of Sean Dyche as their new manager in the coming days and while it is unknown whether he will want to keep Simms at the club, Mowbray conceded that a return for Simms would be hugely important for his side.

“Ellis Simms, if he comes back will be huge for this football club, because he gives us a focal point at the front end of the pitch. He scored some massively important goals before he was recalled to Everton,” Mowbray told The Northern Echo.

“There’s a few days to go. I’m assuming Sean (Dyche) is now in with his feet under the desk. Whether they make a quick decision on Ellis Simms, I don’t know. Whether they bring another striker in and Ellis is allowed to come back, it would be pretty appropriate for our team to give us a focal point and score goals.”

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The Verdict

It is crucial for Sunderland to bring in a striker for the window closes.

The injury to Stewart is a devastating blow, particularly considering that he has scored 10 goals and three assists in 13 appearances this season and has been in excellent form since making his comeback from his previous lay-off last month.

Mowbray is incredibly light in the forward areas and while Gelhardt is an exciting signing, his goal record suggests he is not capable of being the prolific scorer that will be needed in Stewart’s absence.

Simms’ return would be a huge boost for the Black Cats and he stepped up admirably earlier in the season with Stewart out, so would slot in seamlessly should Dyche allow him to depart.

But with some uncertainty over Simms’ availability, the club must ensure they do everything possible to strengthen prior to the deadline and a failure to do so could be costly for their play-off aspirations.