Ex-Sunderland and Newcastle midfielder Jack Colback retires after nearly 500 senior appearances | OneFootball

Jack Colback has retired after more than a decade and nearly 500 senior appearances.

He confirmed the decision in a statement, expressing gratitude and thanking coaches, team-mates and supporters.

Colback came through Sunderland’s academy after joining at 10, signing a first professional deal in 2008. A 2009-10 loan at Ipswich brought a goal against Blackpool and the Players’ Player of the Season award. He made his Premier League debut for Sunderland in April 2010 against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He became a reliable, versatile option under Steve Bruce, Martin O’Neill and Gus Poyet, chiefly in midfield but also at full-back. Colback scored his first Sunderland goal in a 1-1 draw with Everton in December 2011, then struck again in an FA Cup replay win over Middlesbrough.

In 2013-14 he was among Sunderland’s most consistent performers, scoring late against Cardiff and the clincher in a 2-0 win over West Brom. He also reached the 2014 League Cup final under Poyet and featured in the 3-0 derby win at St James’ Park in April 2013. He made 135 appearances before leaving in summer 2014.

After his contract expired, he joined Newcastle United on a free, the first direct switch between the rivals in 16 years. Despite backlash from some Sunderland fans, he made more than 100 appearances and received an England call-up in his first season. He was part of Rafael Benítez’s 2017 Championship title-winning squad.

Colback later played for Nottingham Forest and Queen’s Park Rangers, bringing down the curtain on a career that spanned multiple levels of English football.

Source: Sunderland Echo