Almost in the immediate aftermath of the 8-0 humiliation at the hands of Southampton in October, Sunderland boss Gus Poyet understandably lamented the lack of character in his squad. It was a result that would drive any manager to the brink of insanity if he had to endure 90 minutes of such a catastrophe. While the Black Cats have steadied the ship somewhat impressively, remaining unbeaten for the month of November, don't be fooled for a second into thinking that Poyet has forgotten about that disastrous afternoon on the south-coast. Reputations were sullied and futures were dashed during those 90 minutes, and one can be sure that the former Brighton boss will be dipping into the transfer window next month to add to his troops. He might wish that he had some of the Stadium of Light alumni back at his disposal, with many of his predecessors having been afforded the luxury of working with far more talented individuals. Poyet is still reeling from losing a couple of influential figures in the Sunderland camp from last season - as evidenced by his desperate two-month slog to return a certain Liverpool loanee to the Stadium of Light - but there are a host of former Sunderland players who are now plying their trades at top four clubs, and on the international front. Take a look at the ten former Sunderland players that Gus Poyet will wish he could have at his disposal right now.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
