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…
29. Eliezer Mayenda
Suffered a hamstring injury in his first training session which made it difficult for him to get into the side and hit the ground running. Showed he had talent and a very powerful shot in his brief appearances before going on loan to Hibs. Still a very young player with time on his side and one to watch in pre season. Might be one who features out wide rather than as a lone striker for the time being. Rating: 4/10 Photo: Frank Reid
30. MASON BURSTOW
Played a part in a strong winning run under Tony Mowbray but his confidence was clearly hit by his struggle to get on the scoresheet himself. His first goal against Stoke raised hopes he could make progress in the second half of the season but in truth it was little surprise that he began to be used less and less as the end of his loan approached. Though no fault of Burstow’s given his senior inexperience, it was a crucial summer move that didn’t pay off for Sunderland because while the other strikers recruited were done so with a view to the future, this was a loan they needed to pay off straight away. Rating: 4/10 Photo: Frank Reid
31. LUIS HEMIR
Hopes were high after a promising pre-season campaign but he struggled to adapt to the intensity and physical demands of the Championship. Sunderland staff continue to believe there is a potentially very good striker there, and are regularly impressed with his finishing abilities in training. As of yet that hasn’t translated to competitive games and he hasn’t looked suited to Sunderland’s style when he has played. Still early days given his age but right now there has to be a chance of a loan next season to rebuild his form and match sharpness. Rating: 4/10
Photo: Frank Reid
32. NAZARIY RUSYN
A difficult first season on Wearside, not helped by the understandable challenges that developed from his move from Ukraine. Initially hampered by the language barrier and latterly by injury, the hope behind the scenes is that he will be able to kick on next year having settled in the area with his family. The question at the moment is whether that will be as a wide player rather than as a more orthodox number nine, as he struggled to convince in the latter. His pressing and work ethic mean he is a figure supporters are really keen to see do well. Rating: 4.5/10
Photo: Frank Reid