From a boy in Ballymena to becoming a Sunderland centurion… Having reached over 100 games and spent three years on Wearside, safc.com highlights some of the key signs of Trai Hume's growing influence in the team and reflects on a wonderful spell for the 22-year-old who has enjoyed a rapid rise from young prospect to natural leader. December 2021. The call comes. After prolific spells back in Northern Ireland with Linfield and Ballymena, Hume fulfilled his dream of a move to England when Sunderland came knocking at his door. In the build-up to completing his move to Wearside, Hume was in the stands at the Stadium of Light for a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday and was left wide-eyed by his first experience as a spectator. Hume said: “I think there was 34,000 and it was absolutely bouncing. I loved every second of it. How can something like that put you off coming? It was absolutely amazing. “Sunderland has been in the Premier League and the Championship. I think we are aiming for bigger and better things and that’s why I’ve come here. What the future holds for Sunderland is massive and I think we can do that.” December 2022. Game 11. Only his third league start of the season for the Lads, but a moment in the season where his place at right-back was effectively his for the keeping. An endearing performance that epitomised everything about his style of play. Bravery in attack getting forward to provide the assist for Ellis Simms whilst being brave in defence, committed to the cause with a crunching tackle on James McClean right in front of the rousing travelling support. Hume said: “It’s been a great year overall. Getting promotion in the summer and then having a good start in the league. “I want to keep on getting minutes and keep on playing games. I just need to try and keep my place." May 2023. Game 36. A pressure-cooker environment like Hume had never experienced. The first leg of a Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final at the Stadium of Light. After clawing our way back on level terms against Luton Town, Jack Clarke finds room on the left by side-stepping his man before whipping a dangerous ball into the box. Trai finds himself in the perfect spot to head the ball into the bottom left corner to send the home support into rapturous celebrations. Hume sprinted to receive the acclaim of the crowd and let out the roar of his life as teammates and substitutes piled together in jubilation. “We had been working on set pieces throughout the week. I knew that when Clarkey gets it, he’s going to try and shift out of his feet and put it in. I was just in the right area to guide it in the net,” he said. “It was a hair-raising moment walking out there and the atmosphere was top. I thoroughly enjoyed that, and the fans were amazing as always." March 2024. A special award arrives on Wearside. After becoming a regular at international level, Trai received the Northern Ireland Player of the Year Award for 2023. The defender received the accolade in front of his teammates at the Academy of Light which was handed to him by Northern Ireland stalwart Corry Evans. “If he carries on the path that he is going on, Trai is going to the Premier League either with us or by himself,” said first-team coach Mike Dodds at the time. “When you think of full-backs in this league, Trai would definitely be one of the best if not the best. I don’t think there would be many arguments over that. “For Trai to come from Linfield, I think it’s an unbelievable find for the football club." August 2024. The leadership group is formed. With a new season on the horizon under new Head Coach Régis Le Bris, a six-player group is selected to lead the dressing room with Hume namechecked as one of those players. An obvious sign of his growing presence in the dressing room. Le Bris said at the time: “There are many responsibilities from adjusting our strategy on the field to guiding our culture in the dressing room, and we have selected group that will lead by example and set high standards.” These markers in his career to date are just a handful of many contributions he has made on a domestic and international level. From every hard-hitting tackle to a rousing roar of celebration to the adorning crowd. The Stadium of Light has enjoyed spectating his committed displays. But above all else, his personality, attitude and exemplary performances on and off the pitch epitomise what Sunderland fans revel seeing from the players that don the iconic red and white shirt.
Decent player for the lads and an absolute bargain Don’t believe he’s as good as some make out and I’d want a new RB if promoted but can’t argue with the lads commitment and there’s plenty of time for him to improve.
Definitely good enough to be part of a promotion winning side, which makes him an utter bargain at that price
