Exclusive:'He's been wonderful' – Sunderland figure sends classy message to homegrown midfielder as emotional exit looms
Harrison Jones is set to leave Sunderland after rising through the club’s academy ranks and Graeme Murty has been paying tribute.
Graeme Murty has paid a heartfelt tribute to departing Sunderland academy captain Harrison Jones after the midfielder’s emotional final appearance at the Stadium of Light.
Jones is set to leave the club this summer, bringing an end to a long association with Sunderland after rising through the Academy of Light ranks. The 21-year-old captained the under-21s in their Premier League Cup final defeat to Burnley, with Felix Scott’s late goal not enough to prevent a painful 2-1 loss.
It was a difficult end to Jones’ time at the club, but Murty was keen to stress the pride he has taken in working with the midfielder over a long period. On Jones, who has been exemplary in his attitude during his time with Sunderland, Murty said: “I've worked with him for nearly four years now. He's been wonderful to work with. He's an absolute pleasure to educate. He's a pleasure to sit down and talk football with.
“He's an absolute sponge for information. He works extremely hard at all areas of his game. And I just put my arm around him there and said I was incredibly proud to have worked with him. I've been proud of the journey that he's been on. I just wish we could have got him that final experience lifting the trophy at his home club.”
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Jones made his senior Sunderland debut as a substitute in the EFL Cup defeat against Preston North End in August 2024, before starting the FA Cup tie against Stoke City in January 2025. He also made his Championship bow away at Sheffield Wednesday later that season and has been named on the bench in the Premier League this campaign.
The midfielder’s younger brother, Jaydon Jones, is also in Sunderland’s academy system, adding another layer to the family connection with the club. For Harrison Jones, the next step will now be about finding the right opportunity to build on the experience he has gathered at Sunderland. Murty’s message, though, underlined the regard in which he is held at the Academy of Light - not just as a player, but as a person.
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