Whitley Signing Confirmed - Breen to Follow

The club have confirmed they have signed Jeff Whitley and announced that they expect central defender Gary Breen to complete a move by tomorrow

Whitley has signed an 11-month contract with the Black Cats (effective from 4 August 2003) while Gary Breen will undergo a medical later today.

Mick McCarthy said “ I’ve been looking for a centre back and Gary is a vastly experienced defender, who I’m sure will do well for us. I don’t anticipate that there will be any problems with the medical and expect he’ll sign a 2 year contract later today or tomorrow.”

Whitley will get the number 8 shirt.

McCarthy said: “ Jeff is a good player who I’m sure will do well for us. I’ve made no secret of my desire to sign him and I’m glad it’s all gone through".

Jeff Whitley commented: “ I’m glad to get things sorted. I’ve been training with Sunderland for a while now and knew this was the club I wanted to sign for.

“ I’ve had to be patient but I’ve had regular chats with the manager and it’s great that it’s all paid off. I’m delighted to officially be a Sunderland player and I’m looking forward to the new season.”

PLAYER PROFILES

Name: Jeff Whitley
Date of Birth: 28 - 1 - 1979
Place of Birth: Zambia
Height: 5ft 7
Weight: 10st 12

Midfielder

Career
Manchester City since schoolboy and featured in the Man City squad who travelled to the Stadium of Light for the first ever competitive match.

Name: Gary Breen
Date of Birth: 12-12-1973
Place of Birth: Hendon, London
Height: 6ft 1
Weight: 12st

Defender

Career
1992 - 1994 Gillingham
1994 - 1996 Peterborough
1996 -1997 Birmingham
1997 - 2002 Coventry
2002 - 2003 West Ham