Sunderland are keen to bring Ben Alnwick back to the Stadium of Light on a free transfer after the veteran goalkeeper was released by Bolton Wanderers, according to The Sun (14 June, page 59).
It has been a long time since this Prudhoe-born shot-stopper stood between the sticks for the Black Cats. 13 years ago, in fact.
Alnwick was Sunderland’s second choice glovesman during the 2006/07 season, when a side managed by Roy Keane cruised to the Championship title.
Over a decade after that move to Tottenham Hotspur, reports suggest that the North East-born ‘keeper could be on his way back to where it all began.
The 33-year-old was released by recently relegated Bolton after the League One campaign was brought to a premature conclusion and, according to The Sun, Sunderland will now hand Alnwick a second chance on Wearside.
It remains to be seen whether Alnwick is capable of replacing Jon McLaughlin, the experienced Scotland international who is set to leave Sunderland for Blackburn Rovers.
Interestingly, Alnwick won promotion from the third tier under current Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson in 2017, while also winning the club’s Player of the Year award during his spell in Lancashire.
“I’m very pleased with his contribution and he’s a player that’s getting better all the time. He’s been immense for us,” Parkinson said two years ago.
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