What Lynden Gooch said after leaving Sunderland ahead of Huddersfield Town reunion
Lynden Gooch is remembered fondly for his time on Wearside after sticking with Sunderland despite back-to-back relegations.
The versatile winger spent 17 years at the Stadium of Light, making more than 240 appearances and playing across the Premier League, Championship, and League One.
Gooch became known for his loyalty and commitment to the club, having been their longest-serving player at the time of his departure after joining the academy at age 10.
The American went on to have a two-year spell at Stoke before joining Huddersfield, who Sunderland host in the Carabao Cup on 26 August.
Lynden Gooch 'made friends for life' at Sunderland
Sunderland have welcomed old and new faces into their squad this summer.
They have continued to keep faith in their academy, with Chris Rigg and Dan Neil still involved with the first team.
The Mackems will also be ready to welcome an old friend and former academy graduate in Gooch.
When he departed Sunderland in 2023, he penned an open letter to the Black Cats' supporters, which read: "Ever since I came to Wearside as a 10-year-old boy, all I’ve ever wanted to do is play for Sunderland AFC and I have been incredibly lucky to have played for the club for as long as I have.
"I have made friends for life and Sunderland will always be the place that me, my fiancée, and my two boys call home.
- Gooch managed 246 appearances across his 11-year Sunderland playing career
- He won the EFL Trophy in the 2020/21 season
- He scored 25 goals for the Mackems
"From the Academy of Light to the Stadium of Light, thank you to all the staff who have helped me along the way. To the fans, it’s not been an easy journey together, but we fought back and being a Wembley winner with you is something that I will always hold in my heart.
"I gave everything for this club, and I hope I represented it like a true Mackem should. I will be back on the terraces one day supporting the red and white wizards with you all.”
Where does Gooch rank among Sunderland's five longest-serving players?
Lynden Gooch, along with Luke O'Nien, is remembered as a modern legend for the Mackems.
Sunderland's five longest-serving players:
- Jimmy Montgomery: 1960-77
- Lynden Gooch: 2006-23
- Bobby Gurney: 1925-50
- Luke O'Nien: 2018-25
- Lee Cattermole: 2009-18
It is notable that the Black Cats' five longest-serving players have been constantly recognised for their leadership.
You would expect Gooch to bring that leadership with him when he travels to Wearside, and he could potentially captain Huddersfield, with the 29-year-old at full fitness.
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