This Sunderland man has seen his chance of landing a coveted League One prize ended

The Sunderland stopper has racked-up 18 clean sheets this season, a record that stands among the best in League One.

That record had given the ‘keeper a chance of landing the league’s golden glove – but those hopes came to an end after the 3-1 win at Plymouth Argyle.

Burge will now only be able to rack-up a maximum of 19 clean sheets, which would still be one shy of Blackpool stopper Chris Maxwell, who has achieved 20 shut-outs this term.

Lincoln stopper Alex Palmer has also kept 18 clean sheets during the 2020/21 season and, with the Imps still having two fixtures remaining before the end of the regular season, he could yet catch Maxwell and claim the prize.

For Burge, however, the race is over.

But that shouldn’t take the shine off what has been an encouraging season for the ex-Coventry City man, who has stepped into the void left by the popular Jon McLaughlin.

Burge was recently named in the EFL’s League One team of the year while only two clubs – Hull City and Blackpool – have conceded fewer goals than Sunderland heading into the final week of the season.

Indeed, the stopper’s impressive form this term has reportedly attracted interest from elsewhere with Championship side Middlesbrough understood to be keen on a move this summer.

Burge’s current contract at the Stadium of Light expires at the end of June.

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