Assessing Cats’ keeper options and replacements
Itisunlikely,therefore,that Patterson will be released and fresh terms are likely to be offered. It’s understood that a number of National League and National League North sides have watched Patterson thisterm,soaloanmovecould be a possibility.
Much will depend on what happens with McLaughlin.
Should the experienced stopperstay-asmostwillhope - Sunderland will not need to addtotheirgoalkeepingranks.
But if we hit a worst case scenario situation where the Scot heads elsewhere, then Parkinson will undoubtedly need to act.
While Patterson is well thought of at the club, there would be doubts over whether he and Burge would provide a strong and competitive enough goalkeeping department in 2020/21.
Experience would be sought, but who could Sunderland turn to?
A quick glance at the players who are set to be released by Championship clubs this summer provides some reasonable replacements.
Jordan Archer is a proven entity at League One level and is set to leave Fulham this summer, while Adam Federici looks ready to depart Stoke City. Ben Amos at Charlton Athletic could also be a viable option.
Sunderland fans - and indeed Parkinson - will be hoping that there is no need to dip intothemarketbeforethenew campaign, though.
Retain - Jon McLaughlin and Lee Burge.
While Burge is certain to stay,McLaughlin’sfutureisfar less clear - but the Black Cats need to do whatever is necessary to keep him on Wearside.
We’d also offer Anthony Patterson new terms, but wouldn’t include him in our 23-man squad. Release - None. Sunderland’s goalkeeping options are sufficient for whichever league they find themselves in next term - provided that McLaughlin agrees newterms.AnthonyPatterson could well be allowed to leave on a loan basis, though.
New signings - None are needed, unless McLaughlin leaves.Here’shopingthatisn’t the case.
Goalkeepers: Jon McLaughlin, Lee Burge.
AssessingSunderland’sdefenders will be covered in the coming days.
*DarraghMcAnthony–the chairman of Sunderland’s play-off rivals Peterborough United has threatened legal action – if this season is decidedonapoints-per-gamebasis.
League football in Britain is currently suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak – with much speculation as to how the 2019/20 season should be decided.
This morning, a national report suggested a growing number League One and Two chairmen were coming around to the idea of ending the football season now. That would avoid financial costs to the smaller clubs of playing matches behind closed doors with no fans watching.
The Times report stated: “One suggestion is that the tables for League One and Two bedecidedonpointspergame, withaplay-offtournamentfor thoseinthirdtosixthposition (orfourthtoseventhinLeague Two)tosettlethefinalpromotion place.”
Deciding League One using the PPG system would rob Sunderland and Peterborough United of the chance of making the play-offs, with both clubs finishing outside of the top six, despite having games left to play.
And the PPG plans reportedly favoured by some League One and Two clubs prompted an angry reaction from Posh chairman McAnthony, whose club would lose out. “I just got a call from our CEO who was in on EFL L1 meeting,” he said on Twitter. “Ignore all white noise/agenda's/Newspaper articles. Football will be back & seasons will get finished or ownerswhorefusetofulfilfixtures will be getting sued.”