 Injuries to Kay and Lemon hindered Sunderland at the start of 1988 – 89 , and they took until 1 October 1988 to register their first win back in the Second Division . He signed burly striker Billy Whitehurst to act as a " battering @-@ ram " , who proved to be an effective player despite being a heavy binge drinker . He spent a club record £ 500 @,@ 000 on goalkeeper Tony Norman , though Hesford and Whitehurst were traded as part @-@ exchange on the fee . Sunderland improved and ended the season in 11th @-@ place . 
