The Sunderland fans’ support was one of the deciding factors to Chris Rigg signing a new contract with the club.
Thats’s according to journalist James Copley, who has claimed that supporters’ reaction to Rigg’s disallowed goal and their support last season helped make his mind up.
Copley tweeted: “Just on Chris Rigg. Understand one of the deciding factors behind his decision to stay was support from fans.
“Obviously AoL, Speakman, Mogga and pathway played big roles but reaction to the disallowed Fulham goal and support from fans helped make made his mind up.”
Sunderland confirmed that Rigg had put pen to paper on a two-year scholarship yesterday, despite being linked with the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United.
The 16-year-old burst onto the scene last season when he was handed his senior debut in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town, before he went onto make another two appearances in the competition.
Rigg netted a last-minute winner during their clash with Fulham back in January, before the goal was disallowed for offside and his ecstatic celebrations were abruptly brought to an end.
It came as a surprise to many that the England U-17 midfielder chose to sign a new contract with Sunderland, despite being free to join another club this summer.
Chris Rigg understands the importance of the Sunderland fans
It isn’t at all surprising that Sunderland fans played a part in Chris Rigg staying at the Stadium of Light.
The Wearsiders have always had a huge impact on player’s time at the club, with Amad Diallo’s recent loan spell the perfect example.
Born in Hebburn, Rigg clearly understands the importance of the fans’ support and it hasn’t gone ignored by the youngster.
The midfielder’s scholarship is huge for Tony Mowbray’s side, with the Sunderland boss clearly a huge admirer of the teen.
Speaking after Rigg’s call-up to the first team, the gaffer said: “I watched him train today with the first team and do the game-prep, and I have to say he is really impressive.”
Rigg is likely to be given plenty more chances next season after the previous campaign was cut short due to a serious injury.