Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin can't wait for the new season to get started, with 'exciting' times ahead at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats narrowly missed out on a place in the Championship play-off final in their first season back in the second tier of English football.
And Cirkin, who signed a new three-year deal to extend his stay on Wearside, is relishing the challenge of going one better in this coming campaign. The 21-year-old played 28 times in the league for Sunderland last season, scoring five times, including a brace in a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion which helped the Black Cats secure a play-off place.
Sunderland have wasted no time in strengthening their squad this summer, with three youngsters already arriving at the Stadium of Light, in Jobe Bellingham, Nectar Triantis and Luis Semedo. It underlines the club's focus on youth, and for Cirkin, points to a bright future ahead.
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"Being away from football makes you grateful for what you do," Cirkin said after signing his new deal. "You reflect on the season and want to get started as soon as possible.
"After the win at West Brom we showed that there's no limit to what this team can achieve. If we keep progressing, keep staying positive, there is no limit. We are very, very ambitious.
"There were a lot of ups and downs last season - a lot of good moments but a lot of setbacks with injuries. Some of them were out of my control, with the concussion.
"But it really developed me as a player and as a person, so I look back with no regrets. It feels a long time ago since I joined! There have been loads of highs and lows but it's been some journey so far.
"We had one of the youngest teams last season but we also have a good mix, we have experienced players and a great manager as well. I'm really enjoying it at the minute. I'm just really happy that we're showing progress, getting into the play-offs in the Championship is incredible when you think about it. It's really exciting for everyone around the club, from the players to the supporters, it should be exciting times ahead."
Sunderland's pre-season schedule gets under way with two games against South Shields and Gateshead on July 8, before they head to the United States for matches with San Antonio, New Mexico United and North Carolina.
