Jack Baldwin sends classy message to Sunderland after release

The ex-Peterborough United skipper was one of five players released with their contracts set to expire this month; Duncan Watmore, Alim Ozturk, Joel Lynch and Ethan Robson also departing.

Baldwin, signed by Jack Ross, had fallen down the pecking order after Ross moved to bring in Jordan Willis and Joel Lynch last summer.

The 26-year-old had also seen Alim Ozturk and Tom Flanagan move ahead of him and play significantly more minutes in the early stages of the campaign.

He had joined Salford City on loan last September.

Reflecting on his exit, Baldwin posted on Twitter: “So my time at Sunderland has come to an end, I’d like to thank everyone at the club for making me feel welcome from the moment I stepped in the door.

“Signing for the club was a massive step in my career, unfortunately it didn’t play out the way I had hoped.

“But nonetheless I met some great people and an opportunity I am extremely grateful for.

“I wish the club all the very best for the future.”

He also thanked Salford City, the League Two club he spent the bulk of last season at on loan.

Adding: “Time for a new chapter.”

Sunderland are hopeful of retaining the services of Jon McLaughlin, Chris Maguire and Tom Flanagan, all of whom have been offered deals to extend their stay on Wearside.