Other than Jack Clarke's injury it's been a quiet week on Wearside, but here are a few minor stories which will keep you in the loop with SAFC.
ACADEMY GOALKEEPERS AND LOAN DEALS
Kelechi Chibueze has returned from his one month loan spell at Northern Premier League Division One East (the 8th tier) side Consett AFC after making three appearances. The England U16 international, now aged 20, joined Sunderland in summer and his contract runs until June. We could extend it if we want to. He has previously played for the Chelsea and Leicester academies and is eligible to represent Nigeria as well. Chibueze has so far not managed any appearances for Sunderland’s U21s but has been on the bench on two occasions.
Adam Richardson may be sent out on loan by Sunderland, he is also in the U21 squad and aged 20. The England U15, U17 and U18 international has spent his entire career at Sunderland (barring a brief loan spell at Guiseley) and is popular with the coaches at the Academy of Light. He has featured twice for the U21s this season.
SARTORI INTERESTED IN THIRD CLUB
Sunderland part owner, Juan Sartori, is interested in becoming the president of Uruguayan club Nacional. This would be his third club he’s involved with, alongside Sunderland and Monaco. Since he’s only been a member there for six years he may have to wait a couple more to run as you need to have been a member for at least eight to be eligible.
TOM LAVERY SPEAKS ON BEING IN SAFC SQUAD
One positive from our 2-1 defeat at home to Swansea was 18 year old Tom Lavery being involved in a senior matchday squad for the first time. He has been with the club since he was nine and this campaign has seen him play for the U18s six times and the U21s twice. The right back, who can also play as a centre back scored a late winner away to Aston Villa U21s back in September and chipped in with an assist in the same game as the U21s came from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Here’s what he had to say:
“It was a dream come true when I found out. The result didn’t go our way but the whole experience for me was top. Just being on the pitch at half time and seeing the fans clapping and then when I’m warming up it was a great experience and I’m hoping to get more in the future and I’m looking forward to it. Last Friday morning I was training with the U21s and then Doddsy put me in the small-sided game for the first team and I thought that would be just to make up the numbers and stuff like that. He pulled me over and mentioned that he was impressed by me this season and said he wanted to put me on the bench for the first team. My initial reaction was I was shocked. I think I said something like ‘you’re joking’ but honestly I was so happy. I was straight on to my dad. I think he thought I was joking as well. All the hard work has paid off as I’ve been here since I was nine. So every age group and eventually getting on the first team bench, it’s a dream come true. My grandad used to bring me to football every single time. When he heard that, I think he was more happy than me. He was so happy that everything had paid off. This season has been so good, getting a chance for the U21s, and then taking it and continuing to perform with the U18s. I’ve been obviously back with the U21s, getting my name out there and playing well. It’s been one of the best seasons of my life. I want to be around it more. To get that chance to be on the bench again and if I come on and take that chance as well and solidify my name.”
