Sunderland activate Simon Moore extension after Robin Roefs and Luke O’Nien praise | OneFootball

Simon Moore will stay with Sunderland for at least another year after the club activated his one-year extension. Sunderland Echo understands the clause was triggered some time ago, with his deal previously due to end on 30 June 2026.

The 36-year-old joined in June 2024 on a two-year contract, when the Black Cats were in the Championship. He made his first league appearance against Oxford United in October 2024 after Anthony Patterson was sidelined.

Moore played four league matches before Patterson returned, plus two further outings in the cups. He has not featured this season, although his value to the squad has been regularly underlined within the club.

He is regarded as a steadying presence in a youthful goalkeeping group that includes 23-year-old Robin Roefs and 22-year-old Melker Ellborg. Moore is also working towards his coaching badges, supported at the Academy of Light.

Since arriving from the Netherlands, Roefs has credited Moore with helping him settle in the North East and creating a welcoming environment day to day.

Club captain Luke O’Nien has called Moore the side’s unsung hero, saying he used the keeper’s example while rehabbing a shoulder injury sustained in the play-off final win over Sheffield United. He even keeps Moore’s shirt in his locker as a reminder, and has highlighted the veteran’s four appearances in last season’s promotion run, which he said included three clean sheets and only two conceded.

Source: Sunderland Echo