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Andy Lonergan explains why he didn’t join Sunderland

Andy Lonergan of Leeds gives his team mates instructions during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Burnley and Leeds United at Turf Moor on ...
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The Leeds United keeper looked set for a Stadium of Light switch on transfer deadline day.

Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan reacts during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newport County and Leeds United at Rodney Parade on January 7, 2018 in Newport, Wales.Leeds goalkeeper Andy Lonergan

On transfer deadline day it looked that Leeds United goalkeeper Andy Lonergan was on his way out of Elland Road.

It was being reported that he was set to join Sunderland and become their new number one stopper, with his exit seemingly just a matter of time.

However, the Leeds back-up did not make the move to Sunderland, with Lee Camp instead heading to the North East from Cardiff City.

Lee Camp of Rotherham United in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Rotherham at Amex Stadium on August 16, 2016 in Brighton, England.Lee Camp

Lonergan, who has been battling with Felix Wiedwald for the number one spot at Leeds this season, has now explained his decision to former Leeds striker Noel Whelan.

Talking on BBC Radio Leeds he made it clear that he is happy at Leeds and simply decided that moving to Sunderland was not the right move for him:

“I think it sort of got ahead of itself in the press. I remember Thomas Christiansen saying I was going. It wasn’t really like that at all.

“When someone wants to talk to you, they contact the club, and you’ve got to hear them out.

“But in the end, I am happy where I am. I love it at Leeds. That was the main thing. Do I want to move and maybe not be as happy as I am now, regardless of playing or not.

“I’m happy with the decision I made and I am delighted to still be here.”

Andrew Lonergan of Leeds United looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leeds United and Derby County at Elland Road on October 31, 2017 in Leeds, England.Andrew Lonergan of Leeds United

Leeds fans will no doubt be pleased that Lonergan stuck around. He is an experienced goalkeeper who, when called upon, brings some experience and calm to the first-team at Elland Road.

He could have moved to Sunderland and would have likely played more regular football. But it seems sitting on the bench at Leeds is even preferable to a move to the Stadium of Light at the moment.