Baldwin bids fond farewell to Wearside
JACK Baldwin has issued a thankyou message to Sunderland after learning he will be released at the end of the month.
The club has confirmed it will be offering new contracts to Jon McLaughlin, Chris Maguire and Tom Flanagan - but centre-back Baldwin is among five firstteamers who will be leaving when their current deals expire.
Baldwin joined Sunderland from Peterborough in the summer of 2018 but, after establishing himself as a regular in his first season with the club, he spent last season on loan at League Two Salford City.
The former Hartlepool and Peterborough man took to social media to thank the club and the fans as he prepares to move on.
Baldwin said: “So my time at
Sunderland has come to an end. I would like to thank everyone at the club for making me feel welcome from the moment I stepped through the door.
“Signing for the club was a massive step in my career, unfortunately it did not play out the way I had hoped.
“Nonetheless I met some great people and had an opportunity I am extremely grateful for.
“I wish the club the very best for the future.
“I would also like to thank everyone at Salford City for an opportunity to play an, albeit brief, part in the club’s fastgrowing history.
“Again, some great people involved through all aspects of the club and I wish you all success moving forward.
“Time now for a new chapter in my career.”
Baldwin made 42 appearances for the Black Cats in all competitions, scoring three goals, but his only outing for the club last season came in the EFL Cup win at Burnley in August before he joined Salford.