Joe Gelhardt has sent a farewell message to Sunderland fans following his four-month loan stay on Wearside. The former Wigan Athletic striker joined the Black Cats from Leeds United on loan in the January transfer window.
He made 20 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing assists for three more. With Sunderland's campaign ending with a Championship play-off semi-final defeat against Luton a week ago, the 21-year-old has now returned to Elland Road.
Gelhardt's 18 starts for Sunderland is more than he has made for Wigan and Leeds put together, making his time with the Black Cats a valuable move for him. And he has taken to social media to issue a short thank you to Sunderland supporters, saying he 'enjoyed every minute' of his stay.
Leeds' Premier League season is still ongoing, with their relegation fate set to be determined on the final day of the campaign this weekend as former Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce tries to steer them clear of the drop, however Gelhardt is not eligible to play in Sunday's finale at home against Spurs.
Leeds are expected to make a decision over the summer whether to loan Gelhardt out again, or use him in their own team - and much will depend on whether they are playing top flight football again next season or find themselves back in the Championship.
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