RLB ON WATSON

Regis Le Bris has admitted that the timing of Tommy Watson's announced departure is not ideal, and is clearly disappointed with the teenager's decision to leave, but insists the winger is still available for selection until he's officially gone to Brighton.

TRANSACTIONAL RELATIONSHIP

“If Tommy plays well, he will play. You have contracts and sometimes the relationship is a little bit more transactional and you have to accept that. Some players are really well connected all the way, with the story, the club etc and some others are contracted, and they just play. The point is that those players can still be good players [for the team]."

WEIRD TIMING

“I think Tommy will be involved because he is professional. The situation is not so unusual in football. You have to deal with these situations. The timing is a little bit weird, and I accept that, but we want to push on until the end of the season. We have to accept the situation. The timing is not ideal but at the same time, we know that Tommy has had many offers from Premier League clubs before. We declined and tried to renew his contract, but it wasn't possible in the end."

DECISION MADE, MOVE ON

“So, it’s his decision and we have to move on. I hope it's a positive outcome for the club financially at least and for our future. Every player is different and the environment at Sunderland is, I think, very positive for the development of young players. They can get minutes, the club trusts young players. At the same time, everyone is different. Tommy had just over one year left on his contract so everyone had to make a decision. His decision is his decision, and we have to accept it. Other players made different choices, but Tommy has made this one. They are all different and we just have to accept this. Whether it is good or bad we will have to see, that is life. At least now it is known, and we can move on.”