From 'excellent news' to 'one we'll regret' - how Sunderland AFC fans reacted to the club's big contract decisions

Sunderland fans have offered their take on the club’s retained list ahead of the 2020/21 season – with the majority of supporters backing Phil Parkinson’s decisions.
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The Black Cats today confirmed that Chris Maguire, Jon McLaughlin and Tom Flanagan will all be offered new terms at the Stadium of Light following the curtailment of the 2019/20 campaign.

Meanwhile, Parkinson has opted to release Duncan Watmore, Ethan Robson, Jack Baldwin, Joel Lynch and Alim Ozturk.

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And supporters have backed the decisions made by the Sunderland boss – which they hope will lead to a much-improved side next season.

Sunderland fans have reacted to the club's big contract decisions - which have seen five senior players departSunderland fans have reacted to the club's big contract decisions - which have seen five senior players depart
Sunderland fans have reacted to the club's big contract decisions - which have seen five senior players depart

Here’s what supporters were saying on social media:

@AlexJaMills said: “All good moves by the club. I hope they sign.”

@lewis_safc21 added: “Happy with keeping them three hopefully they accept the offers, sad to see watmore lynch and ozturk go in my opinon however.”

@masoooon1 commented: “First good decision in about 6 months”

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@mcbmbmbm posted: “thinking that if we’re letting players of watmore’s calibre go, there’ll be some right gems become free agents from the championship”

@MattyCrichton tweeted: “Thank the lord I never have to see Alim Ozturk in a Sunderland shirt again! I think these players all deserve to be released, Robson being the most unlucky with injuries.”

@richardshaw86 added: “#safc have offered the right players extentions in my opinion. Although McLaughlin/Maguire should have been resolved months ago. Sadden by Watmore despite right decision. So much promise hindered by injury. Hope he finds success but right now we need fit and reliable players.”

@Philip_RJ89 said: “This is excellent news. Hopefully they sign the contracts. That would be very reassuring, and a sign that there’s a plan for next season. As for the departures? Ozturk is the only one I’m particularly sad to see leave. These decisions had to be taken.”

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Some supporters, however, have expressed their disappointment at the decision to allow Robson to leave.

The 23-year-old has seen his first-team chances thwarted through injury, while he failed to make an appearance for the Black Cats after returning from a loan spell at Grimsby in January.

His name was one on the lips of many on social media following confirmation of the club’s decision:

@keithpetty97 said: “Imo someone in league 1 will take Robson and he will do well”

@David6790247 added: “Gonna be one we regret”

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@stteeephennnn commented: “The way Ethan robson has been treated is absolutely shocking”

@lewis_h__ tweeted: “Never actually got a chance in a midifled that he could’ve very easily slotted into”

@jamestweddell posted: “Would’ve kept Lynch but the only one I’m really disappointed on is Ethan Robson. There’s definitely a good player there and I’m pretty sure he’ll get picked up by a decent club.”

But @parkersafc argued: “Robson is no worse than Power or Robson but hes no better and I'm hoping this is a sign we are in the market for better.”