Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Peter. Thank you for getting in touch.
This is an interesting topic and one that we’ve actually been discussing in our own Roker Report WhatsApp chats!
In Jack Clarke’s case, his sale was obviously prompted by financial circumstances and the fact that his departure for Ipswich in 2024 gave us the headroom and firepower to eventually make a successful bid for promotion.
Ross Stewart’s sale was obviously somewhat more tricky given that he was injured at the time, but long-term, I suppose you could say that it did work out for the best, even if our own struggles in front of goal during 2023/2024 were well-documented.
Personally, I hold no grudges against any Sunderland player who’s left the club for pastures new in recent times — as long as they conduct themselves professionally and don’t leave under a cloud.
We’ve been through some major ups and downs in the past decade but nowadays, we’re clearly seen as a club where a career can really take off and players will be given a platform to showcase their talent— and that change in perception is absolutely vital.