Luke O’Nien has taken to social media to address Sunderland fans following a turbulent season.
Luke O’Nien took up the role as team captain this season, with Corry Evans sidelined for over a year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The defender didn’t manage lead Sunderland to any glory though, ending the campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday that left them 16th in the Championship.
Evans and Bradley Dack’s exits mean that O’Nien is now the oldest player in the squad and it appears he is eager and ‘proud’ to continue leading this youthful team, while he highlights the final day of the season as an ‘unforgettable moment’.
Two weeks on from the defeat to the Owls, O’Nien took to social media to address supporters.
Luke O’Nien is so ‘proud’ to play for Sunderland
He wrote: “A fortnight ago, i had the proudest and most unforgettable moment of being able to take my kids out of the tunnel at the last game of the season.
“As I reflect on another completed season, I have a range of emotions. I am proud to have worn the red and white each and every time and thankful for another season with good health in body and mind. But I also acknowledge that we fell short of where we aimed to be.
“You fans deserve more than what we gave you this season. The prospect of returning next season to deliver that, armed with this seasons experience and taking on the lessons, fills me with excitement. I look forward to seeing you all next season with the unwavering support of this incredible club once again.
“Until next season, thank you@SunderlandAFC , for everything.”
His personality outweighs his quality
Like most of the squad, O’Nien didn’t have his best season at the club. However, he remained a constant and always worked his socks off, even when made a scapegoat by some fans.
The defender is the definition of a model footballer and he is exactly the type of player that every club needs. That doesn’t mean Sunderland owe it to him to consistently put him in the starting line-up though.
The Black Cats need to be bringing in defenders who are a level above O’Nien now, because while he is well loved at the Stadium of Light, he isn’t quite good enough for a team wanting to compete for promotion.
There is no doubt that he is vital in the dressing room though, and that would be the main thing we will desperately miss when he eventually leaves.
