Sunderland AFC transfer news: Ex- Cats, West Brom and South Shields youngster joins non-league side

The 22-year-old was released by Sunderland this summer 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. However, the player has now made the decision to rebuild his career with Hednesford Town in the Northern Premier League.

Manager Keenen Meakin-Richards said “Sam is a cracking player, we weren’t sure if we would get him as he had a couple of offers in the National League North but we are delighted he has decided to join us here.

"He is a defensive midfielder and did well in that role during both of his spells at Leamington so we are really pleased to have got Sam over the line.

“Usually when you have a player straight from under 23’s football there is some adjustment to non-league but Sam has already been around non-league twice with Leamington and he has already trained with the lads so he will settle in quickly I have no doubts.”

In other news, another ex-Sunderland player, Connor Wickham, has joined League Two outfit Forest Green Rovers on a short-term deal after leaving MK Dons.