Is Aaron Connolly any good? Hull Podcaster gives us the lowdown on Sunderland's new striker

Yesterday at 07:15 AM

Is Aaron Connolly any good? We don't really know, so we enlisted the expert help of To Hull And Back Podcast to find out more about Sunderland's new striker.

Before we get into any specifics about his time at Hull — is he any good?

For us he was. Middlesborough fans would tell you different.

He was one of Liam Rosenior's players having known about him at Brighton.

The massive question is not his ability but his fitness.

Tell us about his time at Hull… his scoring record last season doesn't look too bad.

Initially he joined on loan in January 2023, scored a brace and then got injured.

However he looked so good in those first 5 games or so we gave him a one year contract. There were plenty of fine goals but most if not all came before the second half of the season.

Why do you think he was allowed to leave in the summer, and would you have liked him to stay?

After Angus Gunn kneed him in the chest (the foul was given the other way) he looked a shadow of his former self and struggled for game time.

With Rosenior gone he was never going to stay.

The one year deal was to prove his fitness and he didn't.

What kind of striker is he?

He loves to get in behind the defence and be a constant irritant. He can do a job on the wing, but is best as a poacher.

From a playing perspective, what are the biggest positives and negatives when it comes to having him on your squad?

I think there are many positives if he's in the squad.

He will score goals and stretch defences.

The problem is that he won't be in the squad all year, especially with no pre season.

Do you think he'll be a good signing for Sunderland?

I'm not surprised a Championship club are going to take the risk on him.

It could go either way. Part of me thinks the only manager he suits is Rosenior, and I thought he might end up further down the league.

For anyone who isn't sure about this signing, what would you say to them?

He scored more goals than any Sunderland striker did last season.

That's got to count for something.