Sunderland’s 2023/24 campaign came to a disappointing conclusion on Saturday as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
It was a season that started with much promise after the brilliant sixth-placed finish the Black Cats managed to achieve in their first campaign back in the Championship. Despite some persistent struggles in the final third Sunderland looked well placed to at least to push to repeat that feat, but the departure of Tony Mowbray began a spiral all the way down to 16th. It looks set to be a crucial summer at Sunderland as they prepare to name Michael Beale’s permanent successor. And what next for the playing squad? Here, we assess every player in the senior squad over the course of the season, rate their campaign and discuss what it means for the bid rebuild ahead…
5. NECTAR TRIANTIS
A bit of a mixed first season on Wearside. Took a while to breakthrough as might have been expected, but then was part of an important win against Birmingham when suspension unexpectedly brought him into the fold. Showed some promise before going on loan to Hibs, where he has been in and out of the side. Played his best football at Easter Road in a holding midfield position, which might be interesting to see in pre-season given it is a clear area of weakness in the current Sunderland squad. Rating: 5/10
Photo: Frank Reid
6. DAN BALLARD
The big task this season was to stay injury free and build on a promising but curtailed first campaign on Wearside. He did that and performed with an impressive consistency right across the campaign. His partnership with Luke O’Nien proved to be a durable and impressive one, and his defensive attributes separate him from many of his peers at his age and at the level. It’s one area of the pitch where Sunderland have a decent foundation going into next season. Rating: 8/10
7. LUKE O'NIEN
The campaign started with fierce debate about his place in the side as a centre-half and while he may not have necessarily won everyone over, his status as one of the first names in the XI was secure by the end of it. O’Nien is now one of the key leaders in an experienced side and his ability to take risks in possession is going to be key as the team tries to get back to its front-foot identity next season. Sunderland believe the stats mark him out as a top-six central defender, both now and moving forward. Rating: 7/10
Photo: Frank Reid
8. JENSON SEELT
Was making fairly steady progress in his first campaign on Wearside before suffering a major knee injury that is expected to rule him out for the rest of the calendar year at least. Has shown he can have a role to play in the squad when fit again, given his versatility and ease in possession. Rating: 5.5/10