Post by Les on Jul 23, 2024 18:20:19 GMT
safc
Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce that Dan Ballard has signed a new contract on Wearside.
Committing his future to the Club until 2028, the defender has put pen to paper on a one-year extension at the Stadium of Light.
Ballard has been a standout performer in red and white since his arrival from Arsenal in 2022 and he also captained Northern Ireland for the first time in May.
After committing his future to the Club, the defender said: “Sunderland gave me the opportunity to come and play in the Championship and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. When they came forward to talk about a new deal, it was the only thing I wanted to do, so I’m delighted to have signed it. I’m now looking forward to the season.”
Kristjaan Speakman added: “We are all really pleased with Dan’s progress throughout the past two seasons, and he has become an important player in our dressing room. The level of his performances and his potential to improve further are clear, and it’s a great endorsement of all the work happening behind the scenes that a player of Dan’s calibre has reiterated his commitment to our Club.”
Ballard, 24, has featured on 66 occasions since his arrival on Wearside and he is renowned as one of the best defenders in the second tier.
He featured in all but three of the Club’s Championship fixtures last term and also contributed three goals.
The defender underwent a minor procedure last week after sustaining a knee injury in the Black Cats’ pre-season opener at South Shields.
After missing the trip to Spain to continue his recovery at the Academy of Light, Ballard is expected to return to action in August.
“When they came forward to talk about a new deal, it was the only thing I wanted to do.”
Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce that Dan Ballard has signed a new contract on Wearside.
Committing his future to the Club until 2028, the defender has put pen to paper on a one-year extension at the Stadium of Light.
Ballard has been a standout performer in red and white since his arrival from Arsenal in 2022 and he also captained Northern Ireland for the first time in May.
After committing his future to the Club, the defender said: “Sunderland gave me the opportunity to come and play in the Championship and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far. When they came forward to talk about a new deal, it was the only thing I wanted to do, so I’m delighted to have signed it. I’m now looking forward to the season.”
Kristjaan Speakman added: “We are all really pleased with Dan’s progress throughout the past two seasons, and he has become an important player in our dressing room. The level of his performances and his potential to improve further are clear, and it’s a great endorsement of all the work happening behind the scenes that a player of Dan’s calibre has reiterated his commitment to our Club.”
Ballard, 24, has featured on 66 occasions since his arrival on Wearside and he is renowned as one of the best defenders in the second tier.
He featured in all but three of the Club’s Championship fixtures last term and also contributed three goals.
The defender underwent a minor procedure last week after sustaining a knee injury in the Black Cats’ pre-season opener at South Shields.
After missing the trip to Spain to continue his recovery at the Academy of Light, Ballard is expected to return to action in August.
“When they came forward to talk about a new deal, it was the only thing I wanted to do.”
