Harry Gardiner, a 20-year-old striker, has been released by Sunderland.
Gardiner stayed on Wearside until 2024 after agreeing to a fresh one-year contract with the team last summer. The forward is expected to leave, as first reported by BBC Look North, thus the club decided not to give him a new contract.
After joining Sunderland in 2021, Gardiner played on loan for South Shields last season, where he was coached by legendary Black Cats player Kevin Phillips during the team’s promotion from the Northern Premier League.
After playing for half of the season with Sunderland’s under-21 team in 2023–24, Gardiner joined Blyth Spartans in January. He had a respectable record in the National League North, scoring five goals in 15 games. But at the end of the season, Spartans were demoted, and they recently hired Nobby Solano, a former player for Newcastle United, as their new manager.
With just three goals from recognized strikers this season—two from colleague Nazariy Rusyn and one from Mason Burstow, a Chelsea loanee—Sunderland finished 16th in the Championship. Hemir Semedo, a summer signing, was unable to score, while Elizier Mayenda, who was unable to score for Sunderland, played the second part of the season on loan at Hibernian.
When questioned by the BBC about Gardiner and whether or not fresh additions had obstructed his path prior to Sheffield Wednesday, Dodds replied, “Sometimes.” There aren’t many strikers who fit the description of traditional, old-school number nines. Not many come to mind.
Because traditional number nines are rare and valuable, their price is extremely high. The nine position has, in my opinion, received a lot of attention this season, and with good reason—we have occasionally had trouble scoring goals.
“I don’t think the club needs to locate a number nine; instead, we need to discover more offensive possibilities that can be used in different ways, and with all due respect, the attackers need to be more reliable. This season, some of our attackers have played well, while others haven’t. For certain of our players, there must be a contemplation.They need to get better. I have some responsibility for it, and they have some responsibility for that. Regarding Harry, we’ve shown that we are willing to give young players chances if we believe it is appropriate. This year, Dan Neil, Anthony Patterson, and Chris Rigg. Harrison Jones may be the one next year. Zak Johnson has obviously gone out on loan. Due to Matty youthful’s outstanding performance, there is a charming group of youthful players.
“I can’t really comment on the club’s choice on Harry’s predicament, but I do understand that we have brought in three players, with Harry being kind of fourth or fifth in line. Sadly, the sports business is cutthroat, and there are often two or three guys in your way.
Chris Rigg accomplished it, which is a good illustration of a younger player pushing more experienced guys aside.