It’s not been a good week for Sunderland fans, but there is some positive news to emerge at the start of this one, as a potentially key player is nearly back to his best.
Spirits were high on Wearside just a week ago after wins over Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday had kept Sunderland’s automatic promotion hopes vaguely alive.
That all changed after a draw with Preston North End and a dismal defeat to Coventry City at the weekend.
Regis Le Bris admitted Sunderland deserved nothing from that game, while also insisting the Black Cats’ small squad simply needs a reset and a refresh over the international break.
Tommy Watson steps up recovery with Under-21s
Thankfully, one player is using this international break as an opportunity to get back to his best levels, and he just put in a promising display for the Under-21 squad.
Tommy Watson had a whirlwind couple of months earlier this season when he stepped in for Romaine Mundle and stepped up to become one of Regis Le Bris’ most productive players. However, his season was cut short in the New Year through injury, but he’s back now.
Graeme Murty handed Watson a start for the Under-21s on Monday night against Leeds United, with the young winger getting 63 minutes under his belt.
Discussing the game and offering his thoughts on Watson’s display, James Copley wrote: “Started on the left for Graeme Murty’s side and was very bright during the opening period of the game. Came close with three shots in the second half before being subbed in the 63rd minute. A good run out for the first-team winger, who is looking sharper.”
Watson has featured in the last three games for the Sunderland first-team, and even started against Preston last week, but he did look off the pace.
These minutes at youth level should do wonders for his recovery, and he will now be raring to go after the international break when Sunderland face Millwall.
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What does the future hold for Tommy Watson?
In the immediate future, Tommy Watson will hope he can play a key role in the final eight games of the season and in Sunderland’s play-off adventure.
He was a gamechanger at times during his peak this season, and Le Bris’ side would love to have that creativity and dynamism back among their ranks.
Beyond that, Watson will be targeted by Premier League clubs again, after seeing his January move to Brighton fall apart.
| Statistics | Tommy Watson 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 14 |
| Minutes | 549 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
Sunderland want him to sign a new contract, but we know the youngster was keen on moving on in the winter window, and he could well chase that opportunity again in the summer.
Whether Watson remains a Mackem next season depends largely on his form from here until the end of the season, and what division Sunderland will compete in for the 2025/26 campaign.