Moyes defends transfer policy

David Moyes has defended himself against criticism he is just signing players he has already worked with, believing the familiarity to be a boost in Sunderland's fight against relegation.

After taking over at the Stadium of Light last summer, the former Everton and Manchester United boss brought Steven Pienaar to the club, the South African having played under him at Goodison Park, while he bought Paddy McNair and Donal Love from Utd, as well as securing the services of Adnan Januzaj on a year-long loan from Old Trafford.

In the last week he has also brought in former Everton players Joeleen Lescott, Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson, which has led to criticism of his alleged 'narrow' transfer policy.

However, Moyes believes he knowing the players is an advantage.

"The advantage of signing players I've worked with before is that I know what I'm getting. I know what they'll do and their characters more than anything," he said.

"They trust me and they know the way I manage and the way I work. They will know what to expect. Sometimes for them, that makes the move easier. I hope it shows.

"When you sign players you never know if it will make a difference, but I believe in time they will make a difference because of their type and their attitude. I do believe we will be stronger on February 1 than we were on January 1.

"I've tried for one or two others, so to say I'm only going for players I know is not true.

"It's actually the players who have been available and have said, 'Yeah, I'll have a go at that'.

"We tried for the boy at Norwich [Robbie Brady] and he said no. There were others as well, but people have said no."

Photo: Getty Images/Bryan Pond

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