George Honeyman has started ten out of Sunderland’s 13 League One games this season with Jack Ross a big fan of the Black Cats captain.
Considering that George Honeyman joined Sunderland’s academy at the age of 10 and rose through the ranks before being named captain last summer, you’d think he would be more popular with supporters.
But there are a number of fans who have questioned the 24-year-old’s role in the team this term with Honeyman starting 10 of the Black Cats’ 13 League One fixtures.
Speaking to the Chronicle, manager Jack Ross has made it clear that he believes Honeyman does not get the credit his performances and commitment deserve.
“George is an interesting one because I am aware sometimes that different people have different opinions of him, but for a manager he is an absolute dream,” said the former St Mirren boss.
“Taking the non-playing side, how he trains, how he conducts himself, how hard he works, how he is as a person, and how he has taken on the responsibility as captain, he’s been brilliant.
“And then on the pitch, we speak a lot about unselfish work – the work you do off-the-ball which allows other people to do the things that everybody sees and says ‘that was great’ – and a lot of that does not get commented on.
“He’s a really important player to have in any squad and in any team. You’ll get them throughout the country, and they will often be the ones that people don’t fully appreciate.”
Ross has probably got a point. Honeyman won’t score many goals or produce many assists but there is a reason why he is one of the first names on the Sunderland team-sheet right now.
The Prudhoe-born midfielder is the glue that holds this team together, providing protection in front of the defence and giving Lynden Gooch, Lee Cattermole and co the freedom to push forward and join in the attack.
Maybe it’s time Honeyman’s talents were appreciated a little more in the stands, too.
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