The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Bottom line on back line – should they stay or go?
AS Sunderland’s season continues to dwindle into mid-table mediocrity, the Black Cats hierarchy and recruitment staff must take steps to rectify the wrongs of the campaign and develop a squad over the summer to hit the ground running come August.
Undoubtedly, there are changes which must be implemented to turn the tide from the disappointing campaign which has seen three head coaches take the helm and left many supporters scratching their heads as to the true direction the club is heading. Now, with the season winding down, fans inevitably turn their attention to the opening of the summer window. Here, we examine who of the current goalkeeping and defensive crop should be kept on Wearside, sent away on loan for development, or sold on to pastures new.
GOALKEEPERS ANTHONY PATTERSON – KEEP
An academy youth product now one of the first names on the teamsheet at just 23 years old, Patterson has further cemented the number one jersey as his this term – brilliant shot-stopping and his distribution and command of his area has visibly improved this season.
NATHAN BISHOP – KEEP
Has failed to make an impression since his move from the Red Devils last August, and conceded three to Newcastle Under-21s in his only feature, but by all accounts a suitable deputy who, at 23, still has scope to improve massively and push Patterson on the training pitch to eradicate any potential complacency.
MATTY YOUNG – LOAN
The 17-year-old has made quite an impression during his loan stint at Darlington, seeing his stay extended at the National League outfit due to his excelling at senior level. Undoubtedly, he will have gained ample experience during this spell. Another loan spell away should continue to build on this. Young could become a suitable heir to the throne in the event Patterson departs the Black Cats.
ALEX BASS – SELL
Bass has failed to make an impression on Wearside since his arrival from Portsmouth in 2022, and with no first-team appearances to his name it would seem he is surplus to requirements on Wearside. He impressed on loan at League Two Wimbledon, so a permanent move to The Dons in the summer would be beneficial for all parties.
DEFENDERS TIMOTHEE PEMBELE – KEEP
The former PSG full-back joined on deadline day amid progress to his return from an ACL injury, but has failed to showcase the talents he was held in high esteem for in France in his handful of first-team cameos.
Needs the summer to kick on and continue to acclimatise further to life on Wearside as, on paper, with Ligue 1 and Champions League experience he should be a gem, but next season will be telling as to whether this will come to fruition.
NIALL HUGGINS – KEEP
Was enjoying the best form of his Wearside career prior to the unfortunate ‘significant’ knee injury he suffered in December which ruled him out for the season. Able to play on either flank of a back-four, Huggins’ versatility is key for the Sunderland squad and hopefully the Welshman will be able to pick up his form up where he left off, whenever he returns.
TRAI HUME – KEEP
Correctly touted as one of the best full-backs in the division, the former Linfield defender’s stock continues to rise, and is a pivotal cog in the Black Cats machine. Hume staying is imperative to Sunderland in both defence and attack, as Northern Ireland’s player of the year in Mike Dodds’ view is “heading for the Premier League”. Sunderland must retain his services.
LUKE O’NIEN – KEEP
The fan-proclaimed ‘Mr Sunderland’ is vital to the way the Black Cats look to play out of the back, with his driving runs from deep combined with a delightful passing range with both feet – it is crucial O’nien stays, as many fans would lustfully hope is the case for forever.
With nearly six years on Wearside and two more to go on his current deal, the experience and war-wounds from campaigns gone are yet another important factor the former Wycome star possesses.
DAN BALLARD – KEEP
Hume’s countryman is another who has amply impressed this term, with his aggression and reading of the game key at the heart of defence, and will only continue to develop on an upwards trajectory.
JENSON SEELT – LOAN
Prior to the knee injury he suffered which derailed his season, Dutch defender Seelt had shown instances of his potential, but depending on the business Sunderland do in the summer, a loan move to a lower Championship or League One side may benefit the former PSV man’s rehabilitation and development.
LEO HJELDE – KEEP
Hjelde’s form seemed to fizzle out following his impressive debut, however, the Norwegian has shown he is capable of playing as a conventional left-back or as a left-sided centre half, thus the former Leeds defender is key for squad depth and will hope to kick on during his first full season on Wearside.
AJI ALESE – KEEP
A promising talent hampered by injuries, Alese’s presence and prowess down the left channel has been missed this season, with the 23-yearold making only two starts throughout the campaign. Sunderland will hope he can make a return to full fitness and renew the physicality and pace he utilises so well.
DENNIS CIRKIN – KEEP
Much akin to Alese, Cirkin’s season has been derailed by injury and his presence down the left has been sorely missed. The 21-year-old underwent hamstring surgery in January and is unlikely to feature again until the next campaign, where Black Cats fans will hope he can rediscover his excellent form and aid with his attacking threat.
JOE ANDERSON – SELL
Anderson is another who has struggled to make an impact in the first-team during his time at Wearside, and given the current level of defenders currently at the club and those likely being tracked by the recruitment team – a permanent transfer would aid with Sunderland trimming their squad and help the former Toffees man find a home in football where he can continue to develop.
NECTAR TRIANTIS – LOAN
Former West Coast Mariners star Triantis has reportedly impressed in a midfield role during his loan spell at Hibs this season, as such with the competitiveness of the Championship, another loan move would suit the Australian international to help understand his true position and return to Wearside with another year’s experience under his belt.
ZAK JOHNSON – LOAN
Highly-rated academy product Johnson is currently on-loan at Irish side Dundalk following his earlier spell at Hartlepool, and another year-long stint away from Wearside would be the most beneficial for the young defender’s progression.