Born on this day is Sunderland and Northern Ireland defender, Tom Flanagan. The former Burton man has seen a renaissance this season, impressing hugely.
Flanagan began his career at MK Dons, making his debut as a late substitute in a 5-0 defeat at Carlisle. After impressing on loan to Kettering Town, Flanagan was recalled to the side and featured regularly for the Dons.
He really made a name for himself on loan to Gillingham, scoring his first goal for the club in a 4-1 win over his future employers, Burton Albion. During his time on loan, he earned his first callup to the Northern Ireland squad. However, his spell at Priestfield was cut short due to injury.
After a series of loans to League Two, he was released from MK Dons in 2015. Following his departure, he signed for Burton Albion who were in League One at the time. The Brewers had just been crowned champions of League Two, but went on to finish second and won promotion to the Championship in Flanagan’s first season!
Following a season of survival, Flanagan was part of the side that was relegated (alongside Sunderland). Despite featuring regularly since signing in 2015, he was put on the transfer list by manager Nigel Clough.
New Sunderland gaffer Jack Ross came in for the versatile defender, who was available for free in 2018. It seemed like a good signing: a versatile centre half who could also play at fullback, as well as having experience in a higher division. However, things didn’t go to plan in Flanagan’s first season on Wearside. He formed a partnership with Jack Baldwin, but the two defenders suffered embarrassment against Coventry, who put five past us at the SoL.
On the Netflix series Sunderland Til I Die, Flanagan spoke about the abuse he’d suffered following the match and it had clearly taken its toll on the defender, who was benched for the following two games before coming back into the side for the playoffs.
The following season, Flanagan was in and out of the side under Jack Ross. It was a similar story when Phil Parkinson replaced Ross, with Flanagan struggling to nail down a place in the side.
However, this season has been totally different for Flanagan under Lee Johnson. The new transfer policy of signing youth seems to have reinvigorated him, with the defender being one of the most senior squad members. He’s formed a great partnership with young Callum Doyle, and generally looks much more assured.
With his contract expiring this summer, Flanagan will be more motivated than ever to get Sunderland out of League One, and fight to stay at the club for a new deal.
