Ex-Sunderland midfielder Jack Colback has praised the Black Cats’ remarkable Premier League form under Régis Le Bris

Jack Colback has delivered a surprise verdict on Sunderland’s start to the Premier League season – and believes European qualification shouldn’t be ruled out.

The 36-year-old midfielder left the Stadium of Light for Newcastle United back in 2014, a move that damaged his reputation among Wearside supporters. Yet more than a decade on, Colback admits he still keeps an eye on his former club and has been impressed by the progress they’ve made under Régis Le Bris.

“If you take into account what happened last season, the three who got promoted obviously went straight back down and really struggled,” Colback said. “It's remarkable, really. They've made a lot of changes but to do what they're doing in that league, it's unbelievable and full credit to the club.

“They've obviously signed well, they've looked into it properly. The manager for his second season in English football has shown great things. So a long way to continue for them, it's a great club.” On Sunderland’s European chances, Colback added: “Anything’s possible… Against Arsenal, they showed up, so I don’t see why not.”

Colback has been without a club since leaving Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season and recently featured in the Baller League on Sky Sports having been a free agent since the summer.

Who is Jack Colback?

Born in Newcastle, Colback joined the Sunderland academy at the age of 10 and signed his first professional contract at the Stadium of Light in May 2008. After progressing through the youth system, he was loaned out to Ipswich Town for the 2009–10 season, where he made an immediate impression – scoring against Blackpool and earning the Players’ Player of the Season award at Portman Road.

His performances earned him a recall to Wearside, and he made his Premier League debut for Sunderland in April 2010 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Over the following seasons, Colback became a dependable and versatile presence under managers Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill and Gus Poyet, operating across midfield and at full-back when required.

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He scored his first goal for Sunderland in a 1–1 draw with Everton in December 2011 and later added another in an FA Cup replay win over Middlesbrough. By 2013–14, he had established himself as one of the club’s most consistent performers, scoring a dramatic late equaliser at Cardiff City and netting the decisive goal in a 2–0 win over West Bromwich Albion that secured Sunderland’s Premier League safety. In total, Colback made more than 130 appearances for the Black Cats, scoring five goals and playing a key role in one of the club’s most memorable Tyne–Wear derbies – the 3–0 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park in April 2013.

However, his decision to move directly to Newcastle United on a free transfer in June 2014 caused shockwaves across the North East. Colback became the first player in 16 years to move directly between the fierce rivals, following in the footsteps of goalkeeper Lionel Pérez. Reflecting on the move at the time, Colback admitted he expected backlash from Sunderland fans, saying: “I know Sunderland fans will probably hate me for the rest of my life.”

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