McFadden signs in for Sunderland

James McFadden is set to sign a short term contract for Sunderland today.  Jimmy the Journeyman who played for Scotland, Motherwell, Everton and Birmingham City but never really showed up at any of them is dotting the I’s, crossing the t’s and scuffing a shot over the bar on a two month contract that should see him at the Stadium of Light until January.  No one can forget his glorious and ultimately victorious goal in a Euro 2008 qualifying game against France.  But unfortunately he is probably more memorable for continually slicing shots, crosses and throw-ins into the Gwaldys Street end and then very quickly losing all interest in the game he was supposed to be playing, day-dreaming instead of better days when he used to scored goals for fun on the mean streets of Glasgow as a boy. 

Like a beautiful and intricate flower trapped in the darkness, James McFadden never fully bloomed and his career as a footballer in the top flight had steadily petered out.  If the registration is completed in time and he is deemed sharp enough he could go into the Sunderland squad that will face Stoke on Saturday. Let’s hope that Martin O’Neill can motivate him and get that special something out of him that many people saw in glimpses but he was never able to sustain.  Here’s hoping.