Jack Ross admits he was 'a pest' in pursuing Sunderland midfielder | OneFootball

Persistence paid off for Sunderland boss Jack Ross during the summer in his bid to sign midfielder George Dobson.

After a lengthy pursuit, the 21-year-old arrived in late July from Walsall, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal.

Ross has opened up on the dedication it took on his part to bring one of his top targets to Wearside.

“He hasn’t surprised me,” the Scot said of Dobson, quoted by the Sunderland Echo.

“I was really keen to bring him in. I really pushed to get him in from early on in the summer.

“It maybe looked like we had different priorities and maybe the club felt we had to recruit in different areas first.

“But I kept chipping away at it. I was probably a bit of a pest with it because I really wanted him in.

“I was so impressed with him last season. He’s tenacious, got an energy and is a good player as well.

“He has also played over 100 games at the age of 21 which shows a strength of character.”

Dobson, a West Ham youth product, even spent a spell on loan in the Netherlands with Sparta Rotterdam.