Grant Leadbitter

Chris Rigg in action for Sunderland's under-18s against Middlesbrough.

Rigg starts and Clarke clone impresses in front of Dodds and Carrick

Julio Arca

Sunderland tried to sign Arca back from Middlesbrough under Keane

MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Middlesbrough Head Coach Michael Carrick reacts on the sidelines during the Sky Bet Championship between Middlesbrough and Stoke City at Riverside Stadium on March 14, 2023 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Carrick details Leadbitter's interesting role at Middlesbrough

Former Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole.

Ex-SAFC captain Lee Cattermole to leave Middlesbrough coaching role

Grant Leadbitter. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images).

Middlesbrough chief explains ex-Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter's role

STEVENAGE, ENGLAND - JULY 23: Remi Matthews of Crystal Palace during the Pre-Season Friendly between Stevenage and Crystal Palace at The Lamex Stadium on July 23, 2021 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Where SAFC's 2021 summer departures are now after Leadbitter makes Boro move

Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter

Former Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter lands first coaching role

Grant Leadbitter applauds Sunderland fans at the Stadium of Light. Photo: Frank Reid

Grant Leadbitter exclusive

The Roar Podcast - Brought to you by the Sunderland Echo

Podcast: Sunderland legends pay tribute to kitman John Cooke at testimonial

John Cooke | Photo: Craig McNair

What Quinn, Phillips, Reid and more said about ex-SAFC kitman John Cooke

Grant Leadbitter knows a thing or two about the play-offs with Sunderland. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Former Cats captain hoping it will be third time lucky for SAFC

Grant Leadbitter during the charity match.

Two ex-SAFC favourites play in Pools game as Owls detail financial losses

Sunderland lift the Papa John's trophy at Wembley Stadium.

What has happened to the SAFC side which won the Papa John's Trophy

Former Sunderland captain Grant Leadbitter.

Live Leadbitter calls for Roy Keane to return to management

Karl Jarvis and Stephen Ridley, coaches at Hylton Juniors Football Club, Sunderland with Jasmin May from Your Move and former Sunderland player Grant Leadbitter and Hylton Juniors U10s in their new kit after the club won the kit in the EFL and Your Move's 'Your Club Your Kit' competition. Picture: Anna Gowthorpe

Grant Leadbitter on retirement, coaching plans and inspiring the next generation

Former Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter.

Former Sunderland and Middlesbrough legend Grant Leadbitter to give Hylton CW Fo...

Former Sunderland midfielder Grant Leadbitter will this week present grassroots football club Hylton CW Football Club with free kit as part of a nationwide competition.

Richard Mennear

Dan Neil

Dan Neil tipped to leave SAFC as Grant Leadbitter reacts to Boro return

Grant Leadbitter.

Grant Leadbitter delivers emotional Instagram message to Sunderland fans

Grant Leadbitter salutes the Stadium of Light crowd

Watch Leadbitter's moving farewell to the SoL crowd

Ipswich Town's Paul Cook.

Sunderland's rivals who were tipped for League One promotion in disarray

The Roar Podcast - Brought to you by the Sunderland Echo.

Podcast: Phil Smith and James Copley talk Stanley, Leadbitter and Neil

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Kevin Campbell speaks for Everton TV prior to the Premier League match between Everton and West Bromwich Albion at Goodison Park on September 19, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Nick Potts - Pool/Getty Images)

Pundit claims Leeds could 'regret' Sunderland transfer and makes bold prediction

The Echo's live daily Sunderland AFC blog.

Live SAFC news RECAP: Johnson eyeing Everton reinforcement

Niall Huggins.

SAFC involved in £1m deal plus how Cats signed full-back for no transfer fee

SOUTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 09: Grant Leadbitter of Sunderland celebrates scoring their second goal during the Coca-Cola Championship match between Southampton and Sunderland at St Marys Stadium on April 9, 2007 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

The emotional moments that explain why SAFC fans love Grant Leadbitter

Grant Leadbitter.

This is how Sunderland fans reacted to Leadbitter's retirement announcement

Grant Leadbitter celebrates Sunderland's win the Papa John's Trophy

Leadbitter confirms retirement with moving message

Grant Leadbitter has confirmed his retirement from professional football.

Phil Smith

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson

The Sunderland youngster who has shown Johnson 'he's ready'

Dilan Markanday of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Ethan Galbraith.

The Manchester United view on loan chances of Sunderland target Ethan Galbraith

Carl Winchester will be looking to stake in claim in pre-season

The key position for Sunderland's rebuild and their current options

Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke

Sunderland striker receives contract offers from three clubs

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 09: Denver Hume of Sunderland in action during the Sky Bet League One match between Sunderland and Northampton Town at Stadium of Light on May 09, 2021 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images)

Middlesbrough linked with THREE Sunderland stars as interest in defender emerges

Dion Sanderson

Sunderland handed £2m transfer boost as fans praised for season ticket sales

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 22: Sunderland captain Grant Leadbitter reacts dejectedly after the Sky Bet League One Play-off Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Sunderland and Lincoln City at Stadium of Light on May 22, 2021 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Leadbitter's emotional thankyou to 'outstanding' SAFC fans

Grant Leadbitter celebrates his first goal of the 2020/21 campaign

Leadbitter exclusive: My second SAFC spell and what MUST happen next

Kristjaan Speakman reveals the thinking behind Sunderland's big contract calls as focus turns to transfer deals

Kristjaan Speakman reveals the thinking behind Sunderland's big contract calls

Scott Twine of Swindon.

13 realistic signing SAFC fans would like their club to make

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus sends classy message to departing Sunderland man as Charlie Wyke update delivered

Kyril Louis-Dreyfus sends classy message to departing Sunderland man

'You'll always be in my heart': Grant Leadbitter delivers a heartfelt message to Sunderland supporters as he weighs-up his next move

Leadbitter delivers a message to SAFC supporters as he weighs-up next move

SOUTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 09: Grant Leadbitter of Sunderland celebrates scoring their second goal during the Coca-Cola Championship match between Southampton and Sunderland at St Marys Stadium on April 9, 2007 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

The emotional moments that explain why Sunderland fans love Grant Leadbitter

'Bleeds red and white!': Sunderland fans pay tribute to Grant Leadbitter in emotional farewell messages

'Bleeds red and white!': Sunderland fans pay tribute to Grant Leadbitter

Sunderland player Grant Leadbitter reacts dejectedly after the Sky Bet League One Play-off Semi Final 2nd Leg match between Sunderland and Lincoln City at Stadium of Light on May 22, 2021 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

‘Exciting summer ahead’ – SAFC fans react to retained list announcement

Max Power is one of six Sunderland players to depart this summer

SEVEN to depart as Sunderland make huge contract calls

Which Sunderland team will Lee Johnson select?

The teams our SAFC writers would pick for play-off clash against Lincoln City

Tom Hopper puts Lincoln City into the lead at the LNER Stadium

Grant Leadbitter urges Sunderland to dig deep in clear message ahead of defining...

Chris Maguire

The SEVEN changes SAFC must consider for their play-off semi-final second leg

Lee Johnson reveals how he will utilise Sunderland's play-off experience ahead of Lincoln City clash

Lee Johnson reveals how he will utilise Sunderland's play-off experience

The story behind Grant Leadbitter's new role and Dion Sanderson's reappearance as Sunderland held by Northampton Town

The story behind Grant Leadbitter's temporary new role at Sunderland

Sullay Kaikai beats Lee Burge with a stunning effort

Sunderland's woes deepen as latest insipid defeat to Blackpool extends winless r...

Sunderland twice gave away the lead to draw with Accrington Stanley

Second-half shambles leaves Sunderland without a win in six

'Put the pressure on': Grant Leadbitter reveals Sunderland's aims for their final four games ahead of likely play-off campaign

Grant Leadbitter reveals Sunderland's aims for their final four games

Inside Lynden Gooch's highly encouraging Sunderland showing at Hull City and why it came at the perfect time

Inside Lynden Gooch's highly encouraging Sunderland showing at Hull City

Who impressed for Sunderland at Hull City?

Sunderland AFC player ratings: THREE players earn 7s after Hull City draw

Sunderland player Callum McFadzean

Sunderland fans deliver clear verdict on Lee Johnson's Charlton team selection

Sunderland head coach Lee Johnson

'GOING FOR IT!' - SAFC fans react to shock Johnson selection and formation

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