Sunderland: Simon Grayson admits players want to leave and Darron Gibson's 'reputation is in tatters'

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But Grayson, speaking for the first time at the Academy of Light since Gibson was filmed criticising some of his team-mates in a heated discussion with supporters, was happy to concede there are players keen to leave on the eve of Friday’s Championship opener with Derby County.

'Reputation in tatters' - Darron Gibson, right

The Sunderland manager has done his best to keep his players focused on the task at hand, having had the unwanted distraction of Gibson’s actions in the aftermath of Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing to Celtic at the Stadium of Light to deal with.

Footage of Gibson launching a foul-mouth tirade, seemingly under the influence of alcohol, at Durham’s Ramside Hall went viral on social media. He could be heard saying ‘we’re f****** s*** and ‘there are too many people at the club who don’t give a f***’ amongst other things.

The 29-year-old, signed from Everton in January, went straight to see Grayson on Monday morning to apologise, while chief executive Martin Bain was quick to launch an internal investigation into his actions. It is understood he will be fined two weeks’ wages.

Grayson said: “From an experienced player, making a mistake like that, it’s disappointing. The comments weren’t ideal given we are starting a new season. But nothing surprises you in football.

“I had a situation last year where two players in my team were sent off for fighting with each other. We’ve dealt with it in the manner we thought was right. Now we move on with the game.”

Ask if it would send a better message if Gibson was not available for selection after the incident, Grayson added: “It is not a situation you encourage for any player to be drinking before a game. That is down to their responsibility. I can’t be with them 24/7. Ultimately, it’s going to cost him a lot of money and his reputation is in tatters to a certain degree.

“We’re probably not in a position where we can move people out of the squad, because we don’t have the strength in depth. But he’s apologised and sometimes you have to put a seal on things and move on.”

Grayson is happy to do that after listening carefully to what Gibson has had to say about the incident. The Sunderland boss said: “I spoke to him on Monday morning. He came to me at 8.15 and apologised.

“We had a long hard chat and it (drinking) was a question I asked him. I said if you need help with anything then the football club and other people will do what is required to help people along this way.

“Footballers can get into trouble with alcohol, gambling or other addictions, but he’s assured me there are no problems with that and it won’t happen again. I trust him and I have got his word. If it does happen we will have to look at different things.”

He added: “He trained this morning. He has apologised to every relevant party and been reprimanded by the club. Now we move forward with the football and he’ll be under consideration.”

During Gibson’s outburst he appeared to hint that the likes of Lamine Kone, Jeremain Lens and Wahbi Khazri were three of the players who did not want to play for the club.

And Grayson, without speaking about individuals, could not disagree, even though he still thinks he can get the best out of certain players for as long as they remain on Wearside.

He said: “I’m sure there are players who don’t want to be at this football club. That has been clear from day one. I always expected players to leave the club. (Jordan) Pickford and (Fabio) Borini already have, for different reasons. I’m sure there will be others.

“I’ve openly said to them, if players don’t want to be here then I will happily let them go and drive them to wherever they want to go. I want players committed to this club and wanting to fight and scrap for every point. I don’t need anybody who would give half measures.”

He added: “They’re contracted and earning money at our club, I have to (consider them) until something changes. Some of those who want to leave might not have the opportunity. So I will keep selecting anyone who is performing. Anyone not selected on Friday will be so for footballing reasons.”

Besiktas are still deep in negotiations as they try to reach agreement for Jeremain Lens. The Dutch forward is rated at £8m and the Turkish club offered £3m last week.

Grayson said: “At this moment in time Lens is the closest to leaving. Talks with Besiktas are moving on very quickly, so there might be something that happens very quickly.

“In regards to other players, if it is players you think we are talking about or otherwise, we have had no other bids at this moment in time.”

Sunderland should have Dutch keeper Robbin Ruiter signed up on a two-year deal, although there does not seem to be a rush to get it done quickly as he will not be considered for the visit of Derby anyway.

Grayson said: “He's having a medical and we can't be too far away from a deal being agreed. He has not played or trained since the Bradford friendly, so it's unlikely he will be involved if it's all done in time. We are probably looking more towards the Bury and Norwich games.”