Bad news for Forest- Deano's a black cat!

By FF79
June 21 2004

According to the official Sunderland F.C. website, Oxford United midfielder and hot prospect, Dean Whitehead, has signed a 3 year deal with the black cats.

Sunderland have continued strengthening for the new season by beating off competition to land Oxford United Player of the Year, Dean Whitehead.

The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Black Cats and is looking forward to challenging for a place in Mick McCarthy's side.

Whitehead said: "I've seen Sunderland play and I know that there are a lot of good players, including a lot of international players. There are some very good midfielders here already but I'll work very hard and hopefully get a place in the side. I know it's going to be tough.

"I'm a central midfielder and can play on the right. My strengths are that I'm a good passer of the ball and can create chances. I scored seven goals last season and should have had double figures."

Stepping up two divisions is something 'Deano' is prepared for. Last season he was in the Oxford side that beat Sunderland's FA Cup conquerors Millwall on their own patch in the League Cup and acknowledges that at this level, "The quality is better. The game is quicker, players are more athletic and are better all round footballers really."

Whitehead has made over one hundred appearances for Oxford who he joined as a trainee, making his league debut in August 2000.

At Oxford, Dean played under former Sunderland player and coach Ian Atkins, recently replaced by Graham Rix who was keen to keep him, make him captain and offer him a much improved contract, but the pull of Sunderland was too much to resist.

"Mick McCarthy is very important. I know he's a big man in football so it was easy to decide to join Sunderland really," said Dean.

Dean Whitehead follows Stephen Elliott and Carl Robinson to become Sunderland's third summer signing.

FF79

(curtosy of the Sunderland F.C. website)