Sunderland defender Henry Fieldson is poised to exit the club on loan, but in a surprise move, it looks like being to another English club.
The 19-year-old centre-back had seemingly been set for a move north of the border, as reported earlier in the week. He was on trial with Queen’s Park, with a loan move looking to be the likely outcome.
Given that he has played 48 competitive games for the Black Cats’ U18s and chipped in with a couple of goals from the back, it seems a good time to get him out, and The Spiders appeared to be the best destination, having finished eighth in the Scottish second tier.
However, it now appears that the 6ft 1in player could be staying in England, travelling the journey down the A1 to Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town. Last night, he was named on their team as they squared off against Lincolnshire rivals Boston United on York Street.
According to the team sheet, #gtfc are giving another run out to Tolu Ladapo tonight.
Sunderland centre-back Henry Fieldson also starts.
Ex-Hull City striker Jim Simms amongst the subs. pic.twitter.com/TR0Yi2xN51
— Matt Dean (@mattdeanbbc) July 16, 2024
He was officially listed as a trialist on the Mariner’s social media pages, but was named on the teamsheet posted by local reporter Matt Dean. Grimsby, who finished 21st in League Two last season, just seven points from the drop, got the better of their non-league rivals, winning 2-0.
Fieldson is highly rated by the Black Cats and was even named as a possible replacement for the injured Dan Ballard by Football Fan Cast journalist Kelan Sarson last season.
Having penned a professional contract in 2023, Academy manager Robin Nicholls said of the youngster: “We are delighted that Henry has signed his first professional contract with the club. He is a solid defender who displays attributes of a real leader for the group.
“We are happy that he will be continuing his journey here at the club and would like to credit himself, his family and the many SAFC staff who have played a part in his journey over the years.”
Grimsby has already signed a couple of central defenders as they look to progress under David Artell, with Lewis Cass joining from Port Vale and Cameron McJannet coming in from Derry City.
Writer’s View
Grimsby has proven to be a popular location for Sunderland players in the past; Elliot Embleton had a successful loan spell there, whilst former Black Cats man Denver Hume is now on the books of the North Lincolnshire club.
A loan spell in League Two would surely be better than the Scottish Championship, with the two levels perhaps similar in terms of challenges. However, League Two would offer a wider array of challenges, and with competitions like the EFL Trophy, Fieldson would likely get plenty of first-team exposure with Grimsby.
Sunderland just have to decide if a relegation scrap in League Two is better than a relegation scrap in the Scottish Championship.
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