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On deadline day, signing Dion Sanderson says he’s ready to answer the call if he’s thrown straight into Sunderland’s game against Crewe tomorrow night
Sanderson joined the Black Cats on loan from Wolves on Friday afternoon, but too late to be eligible for the weekend’s win at Swindon Town
But Sanderson met his new teammates at the Academy of Light today for his first training session with the Wearsiders and says he’s now looking forward to getting started
« It was a good first day, meeting everyone, meeting the gaffer, being around the training center – it was classy, it couldn’t have been better, » the 20-year-old told the safccom
« I spoke to the gaffer and also watched the game against Swindon, so I understand how he wants to play
« And I’m ready for every time I’m fit, I’m hungry and just want to start »
Sanderson is a center-back first and foremost – which bodes well with Sunderland in the throes of a defensive injury crisis – but can operate from right-back as well
And he says he’ll play where it’s needed, adding: « As long as I play that’s all that matters Anywhere I can help the team
« I’m a natural central defender, but I can also play right-back, and from that position I can attack and get assists
Sanderson spent the second half of last season on loan alongside the Championship Cardiff City, which gave him his first steps in senior football, and Sunderland saw interest from second-tier teams in landing him the last week
“It was my first loan,” Sanderson said of his time with the Bluebirds. “I went there not knowing what to expect, I had ten games under my belt, and it was was a good start and a great taste for league football – men’s football
« Coming here is the right decision for me and I couldn’t be happier to be here »
« I did my session, then came back and glanced at my phone to see what was going on, and I had a message to say that Sunderland wanted me, and then i was happy to close the deal
« It’s a chance for me to play Sunderland is a huge club, everyone knows that, and I’m delighted to be here and just want to start »
Sanderson didn’t know anyone in the Black Cats locker room when he arrived, but says he received a warm welcome and believes the team spirit here on Wearside may be a major factor as the club continue their promotion
He said: « I was coming [to the locker room] blind but I was talking to everyone, being with everyone I feel like I’ve known them for years, so it’s been a good day !
« The locker room is really important This is where players get to know each other, socialize and bond
« The locker room is the most important part of football, it’s what brings players together on the pitch – that feeling of togetherness, the desire to win games and to fight »
Sunderland AFC, Crewe Alexandra FC, Tom Flanagan, EFL League One, Phil Parkinson, EFL Championship, Jordan Willis, Stadium of Light
World News – UK – The new boy from Sunderland’s Dion Sanderson explains why he can’t wait to be started following his move to Wearside
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
