Born on this day is former Sunderland midfielder and captain Max Power. Despite winning promotion from League One twice with Wigan Athletic, he was unable to win promotion in red and white.
Power was a big signing in the summer of 2018, joining from the Latics. He made his debut away to Luton Town and showcased his abilities as a box-to-box midfielder. He then went on to score in the next match against Scunthorpe United, which was also his home debut. It was the first goal in a 3-0 win at the Stadium of Light. However, Power went from hero to zero after being sent off three times in quick succession against Oxford, Bradford and Walsall, although the latter was later rescinded. In the play-off final against Charlton, Power suffered more heartbreak. After Charlton’s bizarre own goal, Max was injured after just nine minutes and was substituted off.
In Phil Parkinson’s second match in charge after replacing Jack Ross, Power was given the armband. He captained the lads against his boyhood club Tranmere, where Rovers were smashed 5-0. The season was ended prematurely, and Sunderland missed out of the play-off spots. Max’s only goal under Parkinson was a last-minute equaliser against Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town.
The following season ended up being his last in red and white. He led the lads out in front of an empty Stadium of Light, which was an unusual experience for all of us. Through the television, Power’s vocal leadership was clear for fans to hear every word. Although the season was ultimately a disappointment, Power did lead Sunderland to their first piece of silverware since 1973. At Wembley, he impressed despite playing out of position at right back. Unfortunately, fans’ lasting memory of Power will be the moment in the play-off semi-finals, where he took a wild shot from 40 yards in the last minute, wasting our last chance of the match.
The Birkenhead-born midfielder then went on to re-join Wigan Athletic, and will make his debut against his former club Sunderland.
