He's not been fifth choice for midfield he's been first choice to play in defence as emergency cover because of his versatility. Can't really imagine Leadbitter or Scowen doing a job at CB.
Strange that's the position we signed him for, he's got more energy drive and composure on the ball than the rest of them. He only played RB and then CB because of injuries. Your judging him on playing a position we've hardly seen him play. It's all about opinions but from watching him play I've got a strong feeling he'd do a much better job than the **** we've been playing
Sunderland AFC today confirmed its retained list for the 2021-22 season. Aiden McGeady, Denver Hume and Luke O’Nien will be offered new contracts at the Stadium of Light and discussions continue to take place with Charlie Wyke about his future at the club. An option has also been exercised to extend Oliver Younger’s deal until June, 2022. Callum McFadzean, Chris Maguire, Conor McLaughlin, Grant Leadbitter, Max Power, Josh Scowen and Remi Matthews have not been offered new terms and will leave the club when their respective contracts expire on 30th June, 2021. Dion Sanderson, Jake Vokins and Jordan Jones have also returned to their parent clubs. Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman said: “We would like to place on record our appreciation to the players who will be leaving the club this summer. Although we have been unable to achieve our core objective, they were instrumental in bringing silverware back to Wearside and we wish each of them every success in the next stage of their careers. We have had to make some tough decisions, but we firmly believe that they are in the best interests of Sunderland AFC in the long term.” Lee Johnson added: “The players have worked extremely hard this season in very difficult circumstances and their reward for that was a trophy-winning season and a Play-Off spot. We are all disappointed that7 we couldn’t achieve our ultimate goal of winning League One, but we thank the players for their endeavours and commitment and we will always welcome them back to the football club with open arms. As we look to a new dawn, there are many reasons to be optimistic about our future as we continue to rebuild the football club.” The following senior players are retained under contract: Aiden O’Brien Anthony Patterson Arbenit Xhemajli Bailey Wright Benjamin Kimpioka Carl Winchester Dan Neil Elliot Embleton George Dobson Jack Diamond Jordan Willis Josh Hawkes Lee Burge Lynden Gooch Oliver Younger Ross Stewart Tom Flanagan Will Grigg The following senior players are to be offered a new contract: Denver Hume Luke O’Nien Aiden McGeady Charlie Wyke The following senior players are to be released: Callum McFadzean Chris Maguire Conor McLaughlin Grant Leadbitter Josh Scowen Max Power Remi Matthews The following senior players have returned to their parent clubs: Dion Sanderson Jake Vokins Jordan Jones
So them 18 players WILL be playing for us in August well apart from Winchester and Flannagan that is a good start, we need Aiden(i read he went to Charlton but that was from the chronicle of course) and Charlie to also sign, get a 6'5" defender in, Marquis, Taylor, Patterson our main goalie, 2 creative midfielders, and get up to speed all over the pitch. Grigg might get 30 goals next season !. And most important stick with 4-4-2.
Disappointed to see Maguire go. Another shame to see Burge staying, I hope that doesn’t mean he’s still number 1 next season
I’m happy with all that. If we can get the four to sign new contracts even better. I presume Dobson will be sold. With the youngsters coming through I would think 4 or 5 quality additions will get us top two. And here we go again.
I cant see any real surprises in that. I think we all expect Wyke will go. I wouldnt mind McGeady staying as he hasnt looked like age is catching up with him yet to me.
Shame to see Grant go as he is one of our own and knew what it meant to wear the shirt with pride , a rare thing in modern football
I’m happy enough with that. Now it’s time to sign some proper quality in CM. leaders. Players who can get their foot on the ball and pick a pass. Chip in with goals. Huge summer ahead.
I would expect Grigg, Dobson and Flannagan to all move on as well, maybe O'Brien. Willis wont play and we might need to assume Xhemali will neee time. We are going to need 8-10 new players I reckon.
More or less what I expected to happen. The dead wood trimmed and get some new players in that can cope with League 1. A bit of pace, height, creativity, assists and goals would also be very welcome!
Lee Burge remains at the club, then? That’s absolutely disgusting mind. If he starts as number 1 next season then there’s zero chance of promotion. Absolute zilch - he’s ****e.
I assume by the retained senior player list containing Pattison, Hawkes, Neil and Younger because they have now been promoted to the first team squad from U23s.
