SIGN IN: Sunderland send strong statement of intent with Chris Rigg deal…

Signing Chris Rigg on a three-year deal is a big statement from Sunderland. There was talk of Premier League clubs showing an interest, including Manchester United.

But the arrival of Regis Le Bris has obviously brought some much-needed stability to the club and Rigg obviously felt comfortable in putting pen to paper. He says he has been dying to sign for a year and it’s no coincidence that not long after Le Bris joined, the deal was concluded.

The local lad has decided to establish himself with the Championship club and you could see on his face how delighted he is to have secured his mid-term future. Let’s face it, Rigg is just 17. What benefit would it have been to him to waltz off to Manchester United or wherever, and not got in the team?

Absolutely none from the player’s point of view. He seems to be grounded which is good to see in a youngster. He recognises he is already with a huge club and he obviously loves his life while developing as a player and why wouldn’t he?