Sunderland set to hand play-off hero keeper Anthony Patterson new deal after helping them to Championship promotion
SUNDERLAND will give play-off hero keeper Anthony Patterson a new deal.
Former Academy star Patterson, 22, has a year left and is on low wages but will get a long contract and a very decent rise.
He spent half of this season on loan at Notts County in the National League, before being recalled in January.
In 11 appearances for the Magpies he kept three clean sheets, aiding the club in their play-off pursuit.
The experience helped to boost him into the first team on his return to Sunderland, where he has since established himself as a regular starter.
And now he is expected to be rewarded for his efforts as the Black Cats look to tie him down with a long-term deal.
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Sunderland will make a triumphant return to the Championship next season.
They secured promotion with a 2-0 win over Wycombe in the League One play-off final last week.
But, the club have since announced that 16 players will leave when their contracts expire next month.
The long list includes fan favourite Aiden McGeady along with Will Grigg, Arbenit Xhemajli, Lee Burge and Jordan Willis.
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A number of young stars have also been released, including Cieran Dunne, Jack McIntyre, Kenton Richardson, Nicky Gyamih-Bio, Patrick Almond, Sam Wilding, Stephen Wearne, Tyrese Dyce, Ugonna Emenike, Vinnie Steels and Will Harris.