John O’Shea’s Sunderland are heading for relegation from the Championship – but he could have led Wolverhampton Wanderers into the Premier League.
This is not the way that John O’Shea would have dreamed of bowing out.
A five time Premier League champion and the most decorated footballer in the history of Republic of Ireland, The Times claim that the 36-year-old is set to retire at the end of this season – with his Sunderland side staring into the abyss.
The Black Cats are bottom of the Championship and hurtling towards League One via successive relegations. This will be an unfortunate end for a player who had known only success for so much of his career at the top level.
And, to think, he could have been handed a far more fitting farewell had he swapped the Stadium of Light for the gold of Wolves last summer.
What could’ve been
According to The Chronicle, O’Shea had an offer to go to Molineux last summer when his Sunderland contract expired, but, to his credit, the club captain stayed on in an attempt to ease the transition into the second tier after relegation from the Premier League.
Though, in hindsight, O’Shea might have made a dreadful mistake that has spoiled the final year of his professional career. Now, the 116-cap veteran might not have been a regular in a Wolves’ defence which has been the best in the Championship this season but at least he would have bowed out amid a spray of champagne.
Wolves are top of the table and heading for the promised land of the Premier League. Sunderland’s predicament could hardly be further away.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
