Carl Winchester reflects on ‘shock’ move that brought him to Sunderland in 2021
Shrewsbury Town midfielder Carl Winchester has described it as a “total shock” when he made the move to Sunderland in 2021.
Perhaps harshly, very few players will be remembered from Sunderland’s League One days as the club sank to a new low although Winchester is certainly one that will.
Winchester played a crucial role in several seasons for Sunderland before moving on to Shrewsbury when the Black Cats achieved promotion to the Championship.
Speaking on Sunderland’s club site (12 November), he reflected on the move and his time on Wearside.
He said: “I was in total shock when the move came about. At the time I was with Forest Green Rovers and the biggest club in the EFL wanted me to sign for them.
“I’d never experienced that kind of passion before I came to Sunderland. We were in League One and there was a demand that we should win every week which was understandable. I think it goes in your favour as well because the fans give you an extra boost. You are playing in front of such big crowds who are cheering you on and wanting you to do so well. I felt it gave you that extra five to ten per cent.
“As a boy from West Belfast, I’m proud of what I’ve done and especially playing for Sunderland.”
Carl Winchester was a crucial figure for Sunderland in League One
Realistically, there are only a handful of names from Sudnerland’s time in League One that will resonate positively. Luke O’Nien undoubtedly being one of them but Winchester may come in as a close second.
His versatility, similarly to O’Nien, saw him play most weeks in various different positions before eventually stamping his mark on the right-back position in which he would go on and thrive in.
One thing that you can’t accuse ‘Winiesta’ of is the lack of effort. Each week he would give his all for the club and embodied everything that Sunderland supporters wanted to see from a player representing their club.
While Sunderland have perhaps moved on to bigger and better things, there could be some arguments that he could have still been a valuable figure on Wearside in the Championship with his desire to succeed at the club and willingness to fight for the badge.
Ultimately, his stay ended when Sunderland got promoted and his performances at League One level still remain at the same high level.
In other Sunderland news, Darren Bent has claimed a “huge club” will miss out on promotion this season with his former side sitting top of the Championship.
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