On 28 September 1989, Sunderland announced Paul Bracewell had signed a three-year deal after returning on loan from Everton. The Echo called it one of the club’s costliest deals and said it strained finances; Everton kept a share of any future sale profit.
Bracewell first came back on a one-month loan while seeking to regain full fitness. He returned to Sunderland’s midfield in a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough, and Newcastle were among several clubs linked with a permanent move.
Manager Denis Smith called the signing an important step and thanked chairman Bob Murray for helping to complete it. Everton manager Colin Harvey praised Bracewell’s partnership with Peter Reid and said he had worked hard to return to top-class football.
