RR reader Stuart suggests re-signing the former Sunderland defender on a free transfer.

Dear Roker Report,

John Egan has been released by Sheffield Utd after suffering a similar Achilles injury to Ross Stewart last September. He hasn’t played since then but he must be worth a look. If fit, he would make an ideal partner for Dan Ballard, and that would allow Luke O’Nien to be moved into defensive midfield where he could do a great job with his pace and tackling ability.

Two positions which need strengthening filled with experienced players at no cost makes sense to me. The money saved could then be invested in the funds put aside for the goalscorer we desperately need.

Stuart Lathan

Ed’s Note [Gav]: It totally depends on his condition of course, but if he’s fit and firing I’d totally agree that he’d be a canny signing. The worry is that at 31 it’s a tough ask for him to be able to play 40-odd games at this level (and he’d be a big earner I’d imagine).

It’s a concern that Sheff United have released him which might be more telling about how bad his injury was and has been — he’s been one of their top performers for years now and I’m sure if this was a fit John Egan we’re talking about, he’d be able to really contribute in Championship for them.

It would be some story though for him to come back and play for the first team all these years after leaving without being given a chance under Poyet!

Dear Roker Report,

It’s great that Chris Rigg has signed a new contract, but if we start selling our best players like Clarke, Ballard, Paterson, and one or two others, I’m sure Chris Rigg will wonder why he signed.

Alan Fenwick

Ed’s Note [Gav]: I would imagine Rigg’s primary concern is nailing down a regular place in the team and playing most games. If people leave that might help him get in the team! In all seriousness though, I’m not overly concerned about players leaving and I doubt Rigg is either, he’ll just want to play.

Nobody wants to see our best players leave, not least the club. We’ve rebuffed several offers over the last few transfer windows for our best players and the message to potential buyers seems to be “don’t waste our time if you aren’t prepared to pay us what we think they’re worth”, which is a pretty sound strategy.

When we do let players leave, it has to be on our terms, so that will the money we recoup we can replace them and also invest cash into other areas of the squad. It’s the only way to do this and be healthy on the other side of it.

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