Ollie Bainbridge opens up on Sunderland future as loan club South Shields chase title success | OneFootball

Sunderland wing-back Ollie Bainbridge is shelving talk of his future to focus on driving loan club South Shields towards National League promotion during a standout campaign.

According to Sunderland Echo, he impressed in a 4-1 home win over Macclesfield on Tuesday, sending Ian Watson’s side back to the top ahead of AFC Fylde on goal difference. Bedford Town visit the 1st Cloud Arena on Saturday for their penultimate game.

It marks a sharp change from last term, when an underwhelming Kilmarnock loan ended with minutes for Sunderland’s under-21s. South Shields also finished in the National League North’s bottom eight after nine without a win, including defeat to Spennymoor Town and a 4-1 loss at Marine.

Bainbridge is out of contract this summer and Watson has hinted he would like the 22-year-old permanently, while EFL and Scottish clubs are thought to be monitoring. As it stands, his Sunderland spell ends after this season, yet he says his focus is getting promotion over the line and on Saturday’s last home game.

Sunderland staff have watched regularly and review full match videos, offering feedback when needed. Bainbridge says they are happy with his progress and trust the Mariners’ programme.

In Watson’s possession-first approach, wing-backs carry major responsibility. Bainbridge and Dan Dodds have combined for nine goals and seven assists in the league, while the Mariners have conceded 41 in 44, the best defensive record in the division.

He believes National League North has accelerated his development, from physical battles to game management. He enjoys breaking forward but accepts defensive solidity comes first and says the level has been invaluable.

Source: Sunderland Echo