Simon Moore has revealed that he received a fantastic recommendation from Coventry City teammate Ben Wilson prior to joining with bitter Championship rivals Sunderland.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper was released by the Sky Blues this summer and has joined the Stadium of Light on a two-year contract with the option for a third. Moore will initially be the backup to first-choice Anthony Patterson.
Speaking after becoming the Black Cats’ first summer signing, the former Sheffield United stopper, who spent three seasons at Coventry, said he hopes to push his way into first-team contention but is fully prepared to assist in the development of the club’s young goalkeepers, and believes he has a lot to bring to the training ground and the dressing room from his now-long career in football.
“I am going to come in and give it my all,” Moore said on the club’s website.
“Train hard every day, and if an opportunity arises, I will make sure I am prepared. At the same time, I intend to assist Patto (Patterson) with any of my experience gained over the years. I’ll be there because I want the best for our football club. That is the most important thing, at the end of the day.
“I am very looking forward to working with Patto. He is someone I have observed from a distance. I have a strong eye for goalkeepers, and he has caught my attention during the previous two or three years. He’s been amazing, and I’m looking forward to working with him.
Regarding the reference from a close friend and Sky Blues teammate, Wilson, who is from the North East and began his career at Sunderland Academy.
“Even before I came, Ben was talking about Sunderland all of the time,” Moore added.
“He mentioned he had some amazing recollections of being here. He still enjoys the club, his family lives nearby, and he has only positive things to say about it. He talked highly of Pruds (Mark Prudhoe, coach), whom I’ve met and who appears to be a terrific man and a bit of a legend here, so I’m looking forward to learning from him as well. I’ve also spoken with a few people about Alessandro, the goalkeeping coach, and have only heard positive things about him. Finally, I just want to come here, give my all for the football club, and guide the guys in the correct route.”
