Veteran winger Aiden McGeady has committed his future to Sunderland by agreeing a new contract with the club. With his current deal expiring, McGeady could have moved on but he decided that Sunderland was the place he wanted to be for next season. The former Republic of Ireland international has signed a one-year contract.
Aiden McGeady Signs New Deal at Sunderland
Fan Favourite Staying on Wearside
Signed by Simon Grayson following relegation to the Championship in 2017, the now 35-year-old winger has been been a firm favourite amongst fans. However, he fell out of favour with another former manager, Phil Parkinson, and was loaned out, making it appear that the former Celtic man would have no future at the Stadium of Light.
Lee Johnson’s arrival as head coach in December last year proved to be the turning point in McGeady’s Sunderland career. The winger went from forgotten man to main man as the Black Cats challenged for automatic promotion. Despite failing to go up, Johnson was eager to keep the experienced McGeady in his squad for next season.
Head Coach Delighted Aiden McGeady Has Signed New Deal
Following the announcement via Sunderland’s official club website, Lee Johnson spoke of his delight that a player of McGeady’s ability will remain at the club. He said: “We are delighted to welcome Aiden back to the club. I have a strong relationship with him on a football level and I think he’s produced since we’ve come in. A player of his age has to produce and that’s why he’s here – to make other players better. I’ve not only been impressed by his output in terms of assists but his buy-in to the philosophy and club identity.”
McGeady Equally Delighted to be Staying
Aiden McGeady spoke to the official Sunderland website following the signing of his new contract and told of his desire to help the club gain promotion. He said: “I’m pleased to have signed a new contract at the club and I’m looking forward to the new season. I’m happy at Sunderland and since returning to the team under Lee Johnson, I feel that my performances have shown that. We all know what the ambition is for next season and I’ve made no secret of the fact that I want to be part of the team that goes back up. My focus is to play and perform for Sunderland for as long as I can.”
An Asset to the Team
Throughout his career, there has been no doubting Aiden McGeady’s ability. His skill on the ball along with his ability to provide assists and goals have never been questioned. However, his consistency has come under scrutiny but at Sunderland, the former Everton winger has displayed the form that everyone knows he is capable of. This despite being told by Phil Parkinson that he was not in his plans.
Since arriving, McGeady has played 130 games, scoring 33 and recording countless assists. Last season, he registered 17 assists, despite not starting a game until December. A fit and on form Aiden McGeady will be key as the Black Cats look to gain promotion back to the Championship at the fourth attempt.
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