Lynden Gooch will return to the Stadium of Light as an opposing player for the first time since his summer transfer to Stoke City this Saturday.
The American joined the club as a teenager and progressed through the Academy of Light before making his Premier League debut against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Two relegations would occur in as many seasons.
Gooch remained on Wearside during the dark days of League One, guiding Sunderland to their first Wembley success since 1973 in the Papa John’s Trophy against Tranmere Rovers, scoring the winner, and a play-off final victory over Wycombe Wanderers to return the club to the Championship.
“Promotion was a big one after the struggles of relegation from the Premier League and then the Championship, which was really tough,” Gooch remarked ahead of Sunderland’s game against Stoke. “I’m glad that I stayed and helped the club return to the Championship and continue in the direction that they want.
“I also scored a goal in a cup final at Wembley Stadium for the first time since 1973, which was a really proud experience for me as a graduate of the academy. My partner’s family is also from Sunderland, and my children were born there, so it was a beautiful time.
Gooch, who left Sunderland during last summer’s transfer window, is now anxious to return to the Premier League with Stoke City, where he played as a teenager.
“Anyone who’s got promoted from any league, that’s a memory you’ll hold,” he went on to say. “That feeling makes you want to bottle it up. I want to return to the Premier League. I briefly played for Sunderland as a young player, but my season was cut short due to an ankle injury.I’m desperate to return, and I know Stoke is equally eager to do so. That is where we want to be. The infrastructure is already in place, and the way we’re investing shows that players are competent; the question is whether we can consistently provide results. It’s a tremendously difficult league and you’ve got.
To be extremely consistent.
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