Sunderland look set to seal their first signing of the summer after opening talks with Simon Moore.
Simon Moore has found himself without a club this month, but looks set for a swift return to the Championship with Sunderland.
The Black Cats are unlikely to make any major signings until they conclude their painfully long search for a new manager, but are first eager to bring in some back-up for Anthony Patterson.
According to the Northern Echo, Sunderland are ‘closing in’ on Moore, who will become the only player in his 30s on Wearside.
Simon Moore career so far
Simon Moore’s football is much like a fairytale, having begun is career with Isle of Wight League side Brading Town with his father as manager.
He went onto join Farnborough in 2008, before earning himself a move to Brentford, who had just been promoted to League One.
Moore didn’t enjoy his breakthrough campaign until 2012-13, where he picked up 13 clean sheets and helped the Bees reach the play-off final – where they lost to Yeovil Town.
His form led him straight to the Premier League with Cardiff City, but he struggled for game-time and was sent out on loan to Bristol City.
His next club was Sheffield United, where a regular place in the starting line-up saw him help them win promotion to the Championship and he was named in the PFA Team of the Year.
He soon fell down the pecking order though, before joining Coventry City in 2021.
Moore made 41 appearances in the Championship and even bagged an assist, but once again fell out of favour and hasn’t made a league appearance since August 2022.
What has been said about Simon Moore
Six months after his big money move to Arsenal, Aaron Ramsdale hailed Simon Moore as the ‘perfect’ understudy.
When speaking on Ben Foster’s podcast (as per CoventryLive), the England international was asked which senior player has helped him the most in his career.
He replied: “Simon Moore or Artur Boruc.
“Artur Boruc not knowingly, but for the way he was and way I could look at him and do it from an outsider’s point of view.
“But Simon Moore at Cov and who was with me at Sheffield United. He’s one of the nicest blokes in football and went beyond anything he needed to do.
“He’s doing really well as a No.1 but if I could be selfish, if you could write the perfect No.2 I’d have him because he’s perfect, down to the letter.”
Mark Robins also praised him ahead of his summer exit, saying: “He’s had some really tough times and I just wish him all the best in what he does next.
“He’s a great lad as well, had a really good year in his first year but since then it’s been really difficult for him but he’s kept going.”
Simon Moore player profile
• Full name: Simon William Moore
• Age: 34
• Height: 6 ft 3 (1.91 m)
• Nationality: English
• Place of birth: Sandown, Isle of Wight
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Club: Free-agent
Simon Moore to Sunderland analysis
Simon Moore isn’t exactly the most exciting of summer signings, but it is a very smart one.
Anthony Patterson has been brilliant in recent seasons, but like most of the squad, has struggled to develop without a mentor.
Moore is unlikely to play many games, but he is so experienced and will be really useful in helping Patterson out and also being a vocal figure in the dressing room.
The veteran has received high praise from Ramsdale, who is arguably one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League on his day. That certainly counts for something.
On a free transfer, there is no reason to complain. It is likely to be his off-the-pitch work that really helps the team out, rather than his form on the pitch.