Good-bye Reidy...

Image © Charlton Athletic

It's now official – Sunderland have had a bid accepted for Andy Reid, and it's now down to agreeing personal terms.

I'm still disappointed by this – the £4 million fee will of course be welcome, but I worry about the effect this could have on our run-in. He's often criticised for pace and the way he dictates the play, but the fact remains that he offers a flash of class that can win a match that so few players at this level possess.

There will also be times when we have to play 4-5-1, and in these instances we are distinctly below par without Reid's creativity. Much of our resurgence in style and pace has been seeded from the presence of Youga and Moutaouakil – if we were to lose them to injury, I don't think 4-4-2 would be as effective as in recent games.

However, everyone has his price, and the money is too tempting when the reality is that we need the cash.

Thankfully it hasn't been as protracted an affair as the Parker situation – back then, Parker was the heartbeat of the side and wanted to get away when Chelsea came sniffing. Reid, although clearly not as key to the team as Parker was, has kept quiet throughout the speculation and can walk away from Floyd Road with the respect he deserves.

One thing I can't see happening (although there's 11 hours left for me to get it wrong) is the sale of any more midfielders. There was talk of Thomas going to Portsmouth, but despite my criticisms of him we simply can't afford to let any more go without people coming in.

Our recognised midfield now consists of Holland, Zhi, Ambrose, Sam, Thomas, Semedo and Racon. Thomas can cover Sam, Semedo can cover Holland, but we're yet to see much of Racon. With that situation in mind, it would be madness to thin the squad further.

As a result of the deal, defender Greg Halford may come in on loan. Keane's first signing of the 2007 summer window, he's yet to make an impact with the Black Cats so far. Phil Parkinson obviously rates him from his time at Colchester, so time will tell how he will fit into a back-four that's beginning to show signs of solidity.

Anyway – a big thanks to you Reidy, you'll be missed in SE7 and will no doubt get a fantastic reception on your next trip to The Valley.