Two years ago today Jack Ross took charge of Sunderland for the final time against Lincoln City but where are the starting XI now?
Sunderland travel to Lincoln City tonight to begin the defence of their EFL Trophy but the two clubs have been intertwined in recent years.
By Joe Ramage
Published 5th Oct 2021, 14:40 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2021, 14:53 BST
It was the Imps who shattered Sunderland’s hopes of a return to the Championship last season when they edged out Lee Johnson’s side in the play-off semi-final.
And it was also against Lincoln who former Black Cats boss Jack Ross took charge of his final game against as manager of Sunderland.
Ross took his side to Sincil Bank in League One on this day two years ago and saw his side put in a limp display as Tyler Walker scored twice to register a famous win for the Imps.
The home side also missed a penalty as the Wearsiders’ lacklustre start to their second season in League One continued.
For many, the hangover over the 2019 play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic remained as Ross’ side languished eight points behind leaders Ipswich Town following their defeat in Lincolnshire.
And it would prove to be Ross’ final act in charge of the Black Cats with the Scot dismissed three days later just hours before an EFL Trophy tie with Grimsby Town.
While Ross has since gone on to find himself back in work with Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, where he continues to perform admirably, what of the players who took to the field during those harrowing 90 minutes two years ago?
Here we look back at the starting XI and three substitutes used by Ross in that defeat to Lincoln on October 5, 2019 and find out where they are now.
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Ross took his side to Sincil Bank in League One on this day two years ago and saw his side put in a limp display as Tyler Walker scored twice to register a famous win for the Imps.
5. Laurens De Bock - Zulte Waregem
De Bock arrived on-loan from Leeds United and was another who was perceived to be a solid investment given his experience at a higher level. But once again that experience failed to transcend into Sunderland’s League One campaign with the fullback enduring a miserable time on Wearside in just 10 appearances including being given a frosty reception when brought on as a substitute during a goalless draw with Bolton Wanderers on Boxing Day 2019. The 28-year-old joined Zulte Waregem in his native Belgium this summer. (Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images) Photo: KURT DESPLENTER
Power was one of Sunderland’s longest serving players since dropping into League One before his exit this summer. The midfielder was arguably one of Ross’ better performers during his time at the club, particularly the first half of the 2018-19 campaign. But while Power helped the club win the EFL Trophy in March last season, the 28-year-old was allowed to return to Wigan Athletic on a free this summer having failed to guide the Black Cats back to the Championship. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Getty Images) Photo: Jacques Feeney
McGeouch’s arrival in 2018 was well received given Ross’ knowledge of the midfielder from his time in Scotland. But the 28-year-old struggled to really convince both supporters and Ross for a place in the starting XI having been plagued by injuries. The midfielder featured 30 times in the league over his 18 months on Wearside with 11 of those coming as a substitute. McGeouch returned north of the border in January 2020 with Aberdeen where he remains. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images) Photo: Carlos Rodrigues
After lengthy discussions O’Nien agreed a new deal at the Stadium of Light this summer and is now a key part of Johnson’s side. The defeat to Lincoln two years ago was a rarity for O’Nien in midfielder with the former Wycombe Wanderers man utilised in defence more often than not by Ross. The 26-year-old has made over 100 appearances for the Black Cats and remains a fan favourite. (Credit photo: Martin Swinney) Photo: Martin Swinney