34 appearances. 8 goals. 9 assists. 6 man-of-the-match accolades.
Aiden McGeady found his level with Preston, last season, and he thrived.
While the Ireland winger often struggled for consistency in the Premier League, he got on very well at Preston and quickly became a fan favourite.
Now aged 31 and with a year remaining on his Everton contract, it looks as if McGeady may finally be on the move. However, McGeady is now being reported as the first signing of new Sunderland manager Simon Grayson.
Grayson is joined at #safc by assistant manager Glynn Snodin, with Robbie Stockdale and @tucks_gkcoach remaining @StadiumOfLight. pic.twitter.com/qWdKwF5wic
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) June 29, 2017
McGeady played under Grayson at Deepdale and The Telegraph are reporting that he will now follow him to The Stadium of Light.
Grayson made a habit of scouting and signing Irish players, with Daryl Horgan and Andy Boyle arriving last year and Cork City’s Seanie Maguire to play with Preston next season.
McGeady, as many Irish fans would be well aware of, can drift in and out of games. He can provide a spark of magic one moment and be anonymous for several moments more.
He has looked comfortable in the Championship and Grayson will hope he can get Sunderland back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. Still, you can’t convince everyone:
https://twitter.com/keirb/status/880406723424657408
Noooo aiden mcgeady noooo aiden mcgeady
— sean (@elwardo86) June 29, 2017
https://twitter.com/SimonSKITSNYGG/status/880408589655056384
One Twitter poll among Sunderland fans had them 71% to 29% in favour of the deal, which is reported to be £2m.
Other Sunderland fans were rejoicing the impending McGeady arrival
👀👀👀👀👀👀 going up this year Grayson has them playing the best football they had ever seen. Aiden Mcgeady is signing too they are going up 😂😂👍🏻
— Wez (@Wez_chiiiii) June 29, 2017
Hopefully they give him some money mate ! Aiden McGeady might come in.. me grandads just called it had him at Preston
— Matty Weirs (@mattyweirs) June 29, 2017
Simon Grayson and Aiden McGeady in 2 days. Christmas has come early for Sunderland https://t.co/evtznMTy7a
— Joe (@joewhitehead__) June 30, 2017
One Everton supporter, meanwhile, was not sorry to see him go
Today will end really well for #EFC. Signing a very highly rated centre back and Aiden McGeady being linked with Sunderland.
— Watched Toffee (@WatchedToffee) June 29, 2017
