TAKE IT FOR GRANTED: I AM GLAD TO BE BACK
As Grant Leadbitter walked back through the streets of Sunderland after nearly a decade away, it seemed nothing could wipe the smile from his face.
The 33-year-old midfielder returned to his boyhood club in the final days of the January transfer window, following a six-year spell at North East neighbours Middlesbrough.
This was Leadbitter’s first public appearance since the move, as he and defender Jack Baldwin took part in a club support campaign to meet local retailers on Blandford Street, Sunderland.
The area was recently hit by a devastating fire and as Leadbitter says, ‘a lot has gone under the bridge’ since his last visit.
But as the midfielder told the club’s website following the move, he’s ‘buzzing’ to be back.
“It has been a few years since I have been back in the town, the city, so it feels weird,” said Leadbitter, who could make his second Sunderland debut this weekend.
“It feels home from home, from the day I went into the academy on Tuesday, Wednesday. I was speaking to Catts (Lee Cattermole) about it, it was funny, I settled in straight away and the banter was flying.
“I am happy. It is a great challenge for me. I didn’t want any regrets, missed opportunities, and these don’t come around too often. I am at an age now where it isn’t just about emotional ties, or whatever, it is about achieving something as well.”
Leadbitter left Sunderland, where he made over 100 appearances, for Ipswich in 2009, before signing for Boro three years later.
Yet he’s always kept an eye on the Black Cats, which hasn’t always been easy following their relegation to the third tier.
The mood has changed this season, though, following the arrival of new owner Stewart Donald and manager Jack Ross.
Leadbitter has been impressed by their work so far this season and is looking forward to a new challenge on Wearside.
“This club is in a good place at the moment and I want to be a part of that,” said Leadbitter.
“I left this club 10 years ago, a lot has gone under the bridge since then. I can only judge from Tuesday, it doesn’t feel like a club that has endured back-to-back relegations.
“That is testament to the manager and coaching staff here, they have a young bunch of lads all hungry to succeed. It’s credit to this squad they have got themselves in a good position and now we want to finish it off, and I am a part of that.
“I have watched Sunderland from afar this season, it has been good, and interesting to sense the buzz around the club. When the move came around, I wanted that challenge.
“I didn’t want to just stay in a league where I have already achieved things, I wanted to go to a club that meant something to me and to help it achieve things.”
When it comes to winning promotion, Leadbitter has been there and done it.
In his first spell at Sunderland, he helped the Black Cats get out of the Championship under Roy Keane, a feat he repeated at Middlesbrough in 2016.
Yet Leadbitter, who also attracted interest from Championship clubs before joining Sunderland, isn’t taking anything for granted and doesn’t want to dwell on the past.
“I want things to be taken from today though, not 10 years ago,” he added.
“It is about my time at this club from now. I want to help my teammates to succeed. You are not judged on the past, you are judged on now.
“You only get there by taking things slowly. I have been promoted before and you have to keep working hard every day to get results.
“I have watched teams and it helps on a Saturday when everyone is focused on the job ahead.”
Ross confirmed Leadbitter will be in the squad to face AFC Wimbledon at the Stadium of Light, yet it’s unclear if the midfielder will start.
Despite dropping down the pecking order at Middlesbrough, Leadbitter was repeatedly praised by Boro boss Tony Pulis for his professionalism and work ethic.
And the midfielder hopes he can make a similar impression at the Stadium of Light.
“Since a young age I’ve always stepped up to certain things and beliefs I’ve always instilled in me, but I try and pass it on,” said Leadbitter.
“Sometimes it rubs off on players, sometimes it doesn’t, but I think there are some good, young, hungry players here along with some very good players, people like Catts, who is highly regarded at this football club.
“He’s kept things going over the tough seasons, he’s the one who digs himself in day in, day out so it’s good to see him.”
That may come as a surprise to some, who remember the pair’s scuffle in the 2007 Wear-Tees derby, a 2-2 draw.
“Me and Catts get on like a house on fire, trust me,” said Leadbitter, who can’t wait to get going.