By Mark Heys
August 2 2005

Alan Stubbs has finally found himself a new club after being told that he would not be getting a long term deal at Everton. The former Bolton skipper has inked an initial one year contract with Premiership new boys Sunderland with the option of a further year. The 33-year old played in over 220 games for Wanderers between 1990 and 1996 and was initially linked with a return to the club this summer following the expiry of his contract with the Toffees.

Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic had also been linked with a move for Stubbs, who had been training on his own during pre-season just to keep himself fit in readiness for the new season.

Speaking about his new addition, Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy told safc.com that Stubbs experience next season would prove to be an invaluable asset, especially to the younger members of his team.

"Alan is a vastly experienced centre-back who played nearly 40 games in the top flight last season for a team that qualified for the Champions League"

"A player of his proven quality will be a great asset to us. He has leadership skills and being an older head, will have that calming influence on the younger squad members that's so important".