Ex-Sunderland, West Brom and South Shields youngster makes non-league switch

The 22-year-old was released by Sunderland after loan spells at Leamington FC and fellow North East club South Shields last season.

Wilding also featured for Leamington FC during the 2018-2019 campaign whilst he was a West Brom player before joining Sunderland after being released by the Baggies in the summer of 2020.

Wilding played regularly for Sunderland’s under-23 side as captain in the Premier League 2 and 61 appearances before his release.

The player has been playing with Hednesford Town in the Southern League Premier Division Central this season but has now made the decision to switch to Stratford Town.

Sunderland were beaten 2-0 at Blackburn Rovers last night in the Championship.

The Black Cats had a strong appeal for a penalty when Jack Clarke tangled with defender Ryan Hedges but nothing was given.

Rovers then immediately broke forward and opened the scoring after an excellent strike from Ben Brereton Diaz from the edge of the box.

The hosts doubled their lead when Scott Wharton converted Hedges’ free-kick with a glancing header.

Sunderland will now also face an anxious wait to determine if Aji Alese has suffered any significant damage after being forced to withdraw from the 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers with an ankle injury.

Alese has been a key part of Tony Mowbray's side since making his full league debut at Reading last month, but was hurt after a late challenge midway through the second half at Ewood Park. The defender initially tried to rejoin the game but it quickly became clear that he was in too much discomfort to do so.