Sunderland may face their ex-academy graduate, Lynden Gooch, as they go up against Stoke City today. Tony Mowbray has expressed his appreciation for Gooch, who was a significant presence at Sunderland, and they may soon reunite with their former longest-serving player. Gooch, a US international, emerged from Sunderland’s youth system, debuting with the Black Cats in August 2015 and accumulating nearly 250 appearances for the club. However, this summer’s transfer deadline saw him leave Sunderland to join Stoke City.
During his time with Sunderland, the versatile 27-year-old showcased his skills in the Premier League, Championship, and League One, scoring the match-winning goal at Wembley in the 2021 EFL Trophy final and aiding the club’s promotion from League One via the play-offs in 2022. With just one year left on his contract and no new deal on the horizon, Gooch made the move to Stoke, where he was now under the management of Alex Neil, who had previously led the Black Cats.
Gooch was a regular feature in Mowbray’s team last season, and the Sunderland manager had nothing but praise for him ahead of their match at the bet365 Stadium today.
Mowbray said, “Lynden possesses an outstanding personality; he’s exceptionally motivated. He wanted to be on the field for every match, striving to win every five-a-side game, and he was fully engaged in every training session, not to mention every game. He’s an invaluable asset to any football team.”
The decision to part ways was mutual between Gooch and the club, and he made the transition to play for one of his former Sunderland managers, who was well-acquainted with his abilities. Mowbray added, “Since his move, whenever he’s been fit, he’s been an essential part of their team. We have a great deal of affection for Goochy here, as does everyone at the club, and we’ll wish him the best after this weekend.”
Gooch has appeared in five Championship matches for Stoke thus far, but he has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the end of September. However, Neil mentioned this week that he expected Gooch to be back in contention to face his former club.