Trai Hume has paid an emotional tribute to Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin and Anthony Patterson following their Sunderland departures
Trai Hume has admitted it has been difficult to see Dan Neil, Dennis Cirkin and Anthony Patterson leave Sunderland, describing the trio as "heroes" for what they achieved during the club's remarkable rise.
Hume and Luke O'Nien are now the only remaining senior members of the group who experienced Sunderland's journey from League One, through the Championship and back into the Premier League.
That journey brought some of the most important moments in the club's recent history, but it has also naturally brought change as Sunderland have continued to evolve under Régis Le Bris.
Hume on Neil, Cirkin and Patterson departures
Neil, Patterson and Cirkin were all important parts of Sunderland's progress, and Hume admitted there was real sadness in seeing close teammates move on this summer.
Neil and Patterson both came through Sunderland's Academy before establishing themselves in the first team, while Cirkin arrived as a teenager and became a major part of the side across several seasons. All three played their part as Sunderland climbed from League One into the Championship, then fought their way back to the Premier League.
"It's probably a wee bit different for the likes of me and Luke that have been there from the start with them," Hume said. “And for me, it's sad to see them leave. But the club's going one way, and obviously they're not getting the game time that they want, and they're going another way.
“But I wish all three of them and whoever left before all the best. And I have no doubt that they'll go on to do great things in their careers always. And I just want to thank them. And like I've always said, they're heroes in my eyes for what they've done for this club. And hopefully they can go on and achieve great things."
Hume sets Sunderland goal target
Hume has also enjoyed an encouraging pre-season personally, scoring twice after being used both at right-back and further forward. The defender had joked last season about receiving some stick from teammates over his lack of goals, but he has suddenly found himself on a decent scoring run ahead of the new campaign.
Asked whether he had set himself a goal contribution target for the season, Hume said: "No targets really, I think. I scored two last season, so hopefully I'll try and get more than that. I hope I haven't gone too early, to be honest. I'd rather keep it for the season.
“But no, I think ending last year, I thought I was getting better. Obviously, I was playing right wing, and it's the first time in my career I was asked to play that position. I thought I was getting better and better at it the more I got used to it. Obviously, in pre-season, I played both. I'm getting comfortable playing either higher up or at full-back. But goals are always good to score. It doesn't matter if it's me or anyone on the team. The most important thing is winning football matches."