The curtain only fell on the 2022/23 Championship campaign over the weekend but the wheels are already in motion as Sunderland prepare for their second season back in the second tier. The Black Cats surpassed any pre-season expectation of consolidation with a play-off finish, albeit their were comfortably beaten by eventual play-off winners Luton Town in the second leg at Kenilworth Road.
The red and white faithful had very little argument over the end result with the Hatters returning to the Premier League. Leicester City, Southampton and Leeds United will head the other way with all three enduring a torrid campaign.
The relegation of the Whites means it's unlikely Joe Gelhardt will return to the Stadium of Light next season, at least in a red and white shirt. The young striker, who signed for the Black Cats on loan, is highly thought of at Elland Road and is expected to be given an opportunity to impress next season.
READ MORE: Amad Diallo linked with Sunderland return dependant on key factor
Gelhardt signed for Sunderland with Jesse Marsch still at Leeds United, although much has happened since then. The Whites appointed Javi Gracia on a deal until the end of the season, only to replace him with former Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce for the final four games of the season.
Allardyce was unable to keep the Whites in the top flight and his future at the club still needs to be decided. Leeds are also in the dark regarding the club's ownership with Andrea Radrizzani linked with takeovers at Italian sides Inter Milan and recently relegated Sampdoria.
49ers Enterprises, who have shares in the club, are expected to complete a takeover at Elland Road and have their say on the next managerial appointment, which is likely to impact Gelhardt's position at Leeds. The 20-year-old scored three goals and notched three assists in 18 appearances for the Black Cats, helping Mowbray's side secure a top-six berth.
“For Joffy, Joffy has probably been a standout over the last few weeks of the season. He’s played with an injury and I think in his type of scenario a lot of players don’t play," Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman revealed.
“I think to go through what he went through behind the scenes to get himself out on the pitch for Sunderland is a massive mark of respect and really underpins the type of character he is. We are probably a little bit disappointed for Joffy as well. We would have liked to have seen him play in maybe a slightly different team shape with some different personnel, maybe we would have seen more out of him.
“But he’s been part of that flexible forward line for us which helped contribute a number of goals. I think we were fourth top scorers in the league, so really, really pleased with both his input in possession and out of possession.”
The England youth international was originally brought to the club to play alongside Ross Stewart, but injury to the Scotsman meant a lone striker role, which Gelhardt struggled with when he first arrived. The former Wigan Athletic striker enjoyed a better end to his time on Wearside and had been tipped for a return.
He posted a farewell on social media this week, saying: “Thank you everyone I enjoyed every minute."
READ NEXT
- Ex-chairman Stewart Donald exits Sunderland after selling his remaining stake
- Kristjaan Speakman praises Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray without addressing rumours over his position
- Sunderland must aim to ditch underdog tag and become promotion favourites warns Tony Mowbray
- Sunderland's attacking style given seal of approval by Aston Villa boss Unai Emery
- Sunderland skipper signs up to take UEFA coaching badge over the summer
