Five Sunderland players, John O’Shea, Darron Gibson, Billy Jones, Marc Wilson and Kasenga Lualua will be out of contract at the end of the season. At present, none of these players deserves to have their contracts renewed, no matter which division the Black Cats start next season in. Sunderland boss Chris Coleman has stated that he does not wish his players to waste their careers. However, it seems that many of the squad, whether they are out of contract or not, could struggle to find new clubs at this level should the Black Cats suffer relegation.
Sunderland Players Deserve No New Contracts
John O’Shea
Reports have surfaced that the experienced former Manchester United defender would hang up his boots come the season’s end. O’Shea has since said that he has no intention of retiring anytime soon.
The 36-year-old has found the going tough in the Championship this season. Even though the current Black Cats captain has played the majority of games, he has looked far from comfortable with the rigours and the competitiveness that the Championship brings.
He was given a new one year contract last summer after relegation, even though the club had no manager at the time. The defender has been at the club since 2011, seen several relegation battles and suffered relegation from the Premier League. O’Shea now faces the possibility of captaining the club to relegation into England’s third tier.
Darron Gibson
The former Everton and Republic of Ireland midfielder signed for the club last January and failed to make an impact as the side were relegated. He began showing glimpses of what he can do this season but injury ruled him out for many games.
Gibson has recently been charged with driving with excess alcohol, crashing his car in the process. The club subsequently suspended him. Few will want the midfielder to pull on the famous red and white shirt on again.
Billy Jones
Has been at the club for four seasons now, signing from West Brom to replace the departing Phil Bardsley. The right-back has failed to make the position his own with poor form and injuries not helping his career on Wearside.
When Sunderland dropped into the Championship, there were fans who believed that the Championship could be more Jones’ level. That the right-back could be a position where the club did not have to look to strengthen. It is fair to say that Jones has not performed when played and with his contract up in the summer, it would be a surprise to see him at the Stadium of Light next season.
Marc Wilson
The defender, who signed from Bournemouth last summer has managed just 15 appearances this season. Injuries have stopped Wilson from settling into the team and from making any kind of impact. If he can remain fit, he could be one of the more useful Sunderland players.
However, on recent evidence, it would be risky to take a gamble on a player who looks injury prone, uncomfortable and who will not be on low wages.
Kasenga Lualua
The winger/forward signed a short-term deal in January after leaving Brighton. Chris Coleman seemed happy to bring in the player at the time. The manager stated that with his pace he could cause the opposition plenty of problems. In addition, that Lualua wanted to be at the club.
So far LuaLua has managed just four substitute appearances. He has shown during his fleeting appearances that there is promise there. However, his injury problems would make giving him a new contract a risk. Sunderland, no matter which division they find themselves in next season, can not afford to be carrying injury prone players.
Main Image Credit:
Embed from Getty Images
