Stubbs set for Mersey return...

Defender Alan Stubbs is set for a controversial return to former club Everton after only 6 months at Sunderland.

It was revealed yesterday that Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy was prepared to let the experienced stopper leave The Stadium of Light after failing to break into the Black Cats side despite their poor run of results.

Derby boss Phil Brown revealed his interest 2 days ago however it seems it is Everton who are set to sign the player who only left Goodison in the summer.

£5m flop Per Koldrup is set to return to Italy with a move to Fiorentina all but sealed as the Danish centre defender failed to settle to life in Merseyside. This leaves Everton short for defensive cover and boss David Moyes has acted quickly to bring in a player he knows all about.

The move is all the more surprising given the nature of Stubb's departure, with the player claiming he felt let down by the club after only being offered a one year deal, with suggestions that it was linked to his treatment for cancer earlier in his career.

It will end a disappointing short spell in Wearside for Stubbs, who many fans felt was a solid signing by McCarthy and who would become a mainstay of the side, potentially future captain material.

However with McCarthy prefering last year's first choice centre halves Steve Caldwell and Gary Breen, and with promising defender Neil Collins in reserve, it seems that Stubbs is now seen as surplus to requirements even at the Premiership's bottom side.



**What do you think about Stubb's departure? Should such an experienced campaigner be leaving the squad during these disastrous times? Should he be in the side ahead of Breen?

Have your say in the Vital Football Sunderland forum by clicking Here and have the chance to get your views published on the website**