Cats failed in promotion goal - but how did players shape up this season?

Published date30 May 2021
Publication titleSunday Sun
The Black Cats lifted the EFL Trophy at Wembley in March, but they failed to deliver on their main goal which was to clamber out of League One and earn the right to play Championship football next term.

But while the team fell short, on an individual basis there were personal triumphs, disasters, injury nightmares, and everything inbetween.

The season started under Phil Parkinson, before he was replaced by Lee Johnson in December, and between them they used 38 players across all competitions.

Here's how our Sunderland AFC writer JAMES HUNTER rated their contributions.

Lee Burge ............................................. B Kept 18 clean sheets in 41 league outings - just short of one every other game - and has generally been pretty consistent. Makes the occasional error, but so do all League One keepers.

Mitch Curry .........................................CImpressed for the U23s which earned him a short run-out against AFC Wimbledon in December, but has since joined MLS side Fort Lauderdale.

Jack Diamond ...................................B+ The academy graduate has had an excellent breakthrough year, with his pace and willingness to take on opponents a breath of fresh air at times. Will only get better next season.

George Dobson....................................D Didn't impress in the first half of the season and was eventually farmed out to AFC Wimbledon on loan in January. Likely to move on this summer.

Cieran Dunne ....................................... C One of the U23s given a chance in the EFL Trophy at Fleetwood, but a dislocated shoulder ended his night after only five minutes in what was his only first-team outing.

Elliot Embleton .................................. BInjuries disrupted the first half of his season, then after a few games he joined Blackpool on loan in January and helped the Tangerines reach the play-of ffinal.

Embleton will be back on Wearside next season, and is likely to a key member of the squad on his return.

Morgan Feeney .................................... C Scored on his debut in the Trophy in September before a hamstring injury left him on the sidelines, and he was released in January.

Tom Flanagan ...................................... C A series of injuries meant he was involved in only a third of Sunderland's league games. Did OK before the injuries struck, though, but the question next season will be whether he can stay fit.

Lynden Gooch......................................B Blew hot and cold, but when he was...

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