Stead turns down Charlton for SAFC!

Following weeks of rumours, Blackburn Rovers striker Jon Stead has signed for Sunderland today.

The 22 year old Huddersfield-born player has been given a four year contract for £1.8m.

“It feels fantastic to be a Sunderland player!” said Stead. “Everything was a bit of a shock, but I’m finally putting on the red and white after wearing blue and white in my career, so I’m delighted and looking forward to it.

“I had a choice between Sunderland and Charlton, I spoke to both parties and had a look around. It was just the feeling I got when I came here, when I saw the training ground and stadium, and especially after speaking to the manager, he assured me this was the place to be, and I’m sure it is.

“It’s a massive club, a Premiership club and I have every confidence we will be a Premiership club for many seasons to come. I wouldn’t have come here if I didn’t think 100% we can do it.”

Sunderland manager McCarthy said: “I’m thrilled to have Jonathan on board. He’s an England Under-21 international and he has scored goals in the Premier League, so he’s a great signing for us. Jonathan is the kind of lad that will fit into our squad and team ethic straight away.”

Jon Stead Factfile

Jonathan Stead

DOB 7th April, 1983, Huddersfield

Height: 6' 3"

Clubs:
Huddersfield (from trainee) 1.8.02 - 2.2.04; 24 goals/76 apps
Blackburn: 2.2.04 - 13.6.04 - £1.25m; 8 goals/47 apps
Sunderland: 13.6.05 - £1.8m
Professional debut: Huddersfield 0 Brentford 2 - 10.8.02
First professional goal: Huddersfield 3 Notts Co 0 (scored twice)
First premiership goal: Middlesbrough 0 Blackburn 1