Kristjaan Speakman says Sunderland are disappointed to have lost striker Ellis Simms after he was recalled by parent club Everton. Toffees boss Frank Lampard gave the Premier League outfit the green light to recall the 21-year-old after impressing during his time at the Stadium of Light.
Simms struck up an impressive partnership with Ross Stewart, despite the duo missing a large part of the current campaign. The loanee scored seven times in 17 appearances in the red and white of Sunderland.
His five month loan was cut short, with Everton looking to bolster their front line after a difficult start to the season. His departure will be a huge loss to Sunderland who have just Stewart as an out and out striker at the club.
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The Black Cats are now in a similar position to last January, with the club in desperate need of someone to shoulder the goal scoring burden up front. Tony Mowbray has tinkered with various options up front in the absence of Stewart and Simms, but the need for investment in a striker has now been brought to the fore.
Sporting director Speakman said: “Ellis’ return to Merseyside is a real disappointment for us due to the shared progress that he and the Club have made this season.
"Unfortunately, this is the nature of loans when they are successful, but it is a testament to Tony and the wider staff - and of course to Ellis - that Everton feel he is ready to continue his immediate development in a Premier League environment.
"We all wish Ellis the very best and thank him for the part he has played in our continual progression as a Football Club.”
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