Premiership new boys Sunderland have signed England Under-21 striker Jon Stead from Blackburn for £1.8m.
The 22-year-old has signed a four-year deal after 16 months at Ewood Park.
"I'm finally putting on the red and white after wearing blue and white, so I'm delighted and looking forward to it," Stead told Sunderland's website.
"I had a choice between Sunderland and Charlton, I spoke to both and had a look around. It was just the feeling I got when I came here."
Stead scored 24 goals in 76 league and cup games for Blackburn after starting his career at Huddersfield.
"This is a massive club, a Premiership club and I have every confidence we will be a Premiership club for many seasons to come," he added.
"I wouldn't have come here if I didn't think 100% we can do it."
Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy said he was delighted to sign Stead after missing out on him when he left Huddersfield in February 2004.
"He has scored goals in the Premier League, so he's a great signing for us," he said.
"Jonathan is the kind of lad that will fit into our squad and team ethic straight away."
(BBC Sport)
13/06/2005, 10:19 PM
eirebhoy
Wouldn't say its bad news. They were always going to sign a new striker and at least its not Forssell or the like. :)
14/06/2005, 12:26 PM
jorge
More like good news,at least Darryl will be able to compete against him rather than a good experienced prem player.
14/06/2005, 12:35 PM
superfrank
He is an experienced Premiership striker, ok he didn't do great but he's still played a fair few games in the Premiership and he's scored in it too. Already more than Darryl's done. :cool:
14/06/2005, 4:01 PM
jorge
Its hardly bad news because he was always going to sign a striker at least he signed Stead and not someone else.
