Darren Bent to kick-start his career at Sunderland

Darren Bent has finally made a move to Sunderland, or should I say away from Tottenham. The striker endured some tough times at White Hart Lane and failed to live up to the expectations, although we could argue he wasn’t given enough playing time. Steve Bruce was the man who rescue Bent from Tottenham and we are yet to see if the player will pay him back.

Bent started his career at Ipswich Town and was predicted a great future after scoring his first goal at just 17 years of age. Charlton Athletic bought him four years later and it were his great performances at this club that earned him a reputation of ruthless goal scorer and the first England cap. After two seasons at Charlton, during which he scored 37 goals, he moved to Tottenham for £16.5 million fee. The critics argued that was too much money to pay for somewhat unproven player and it is now clear they were spot on.

Bent was used only sporadically at Tottenham, but he did amass almost 80 appearances for Spurs. He did show some signs of potential but couldn’t perform in high level week in week out and was deemed surplus to requirements by Harry Redknapp. Steve Bruce, however, decided to give him another chance, this time at Sunderland and it is expected that Bent will finally become first team regular and will have the chance to show he deserves all the money invested in him. Playing on regular basis could be just what the player needs to kick-start his career and the positive thing is he seems determined to prove the doubters wrong and is simply raring to go. Sunderland have got a very good team this season and with Bent spearheading the attack, this Premiership campaign could prove fruitful for both the club and the player.

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