Sunderland's 'remarkable' start to the season means they could qualify for Europe according to Jack Colback
Jack Colback
Jack Colback(Image: Richard Sellers/Getty Images)
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Former Sunderland defensive midfielder Jack Colback reckons “anything is possible” when asked whether the Black Cats could make Europe this season.
A blistering start to the Premier League campaign has seen Regis Le Bris’ side storm to fourth in the table with their sights set on at least a mid-table finish having gathered 19 points already.
Colback tarnished his reputation with Sunderland fans when he left the club 11 years ago to sign for bitter rivals Newcastle United on a free transfer, becoming the first player since Lionel Pérez in 1998 to transfer directly from Sunderland to Newcastle.
It led to the Black Cats releasing a statement heavily criticising the player and saying his departure left a 'bitter taste'. However, the 36-year-old still keeps tabs on the Black Cats and has been impressed by their start to the campaign.
Speaking on talkSPORT Colback said: “If you take into account what happened last season, the three who got promoted, obviously went straight back down and really struggled, Sunderland’s form is remarkable, really.
"They’ve made a lot of changes but to do what they’re doing in that league, it’s unbelievable and full credit to the club.
“They’ve obviously signed well, they’ve looked into it properly. The manager for his second season in English football has shown great things. So a long way to continue for them, it’s a great club.”
When asked about their European hopes he added: “Anything’s possible. The way the Premier League is now, it’s so spread in terms of the level of player that each club has. It’s so different from when I was there. You can be top four or five and then drop down quite quickly.
“You look at Aston Villa as well, they were struggling and they’re on fire now. I don’t see why not [Sunderland can’t get into Europe].
"They’re playing against good teams. Against Arsenal they showed up, so I don’t see why not.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks to Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaks to Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris
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Colback played more than 100 games for Sunderland, having come through the youth system. After his contract expired, he decided to join his boyhood club Newcastle on a free transfer aged 24, which angered the Black Cats.
“We gave him the opportunity to become a professional footballer and are therefore extremely disappointed in the events that have led to his departure from the club," they said in an explosive statement.
“This wasn’t about money - the club agreed to all of the terms demanded of us during discussions and we were always led to believe that Jack wanted to stay with us. At his and his representatives’ request, final talks were put on hold until the club secured its top flight status. To our dismay however, we were subsequently never given the chance to negotiate with him to stay.
“For him to then leave the club that has supported him throughout his formative years in such a manner, with no chance for Sunderland to recover any of the significant investment that it has made in him as a player, has left a bitter taste.”
Colback joined Nottingham Forest after leaving Newcastle, and then spent two years at QPR. He left Loftus Road in the summer after his contract expired. He has since appeared in the Baller League.