Ollie Bainbridge on Sunderland future as South Shields push for title | OneFootball

Ollie Bainbridge has parked talk of his Sunderland future to concentrate on helping loan club South Shields seal promotion to the National League. The Mariners beat Macclesfield 4-1 on Tuesday to return to the National League North summit on goal difference, with Bedford Town visiting on Saturday.

“I’m not too sure what comes next and I haven’t really thought about anything yet to be honest with you. All I’m focused on is getting over the line this season and getting promoted. We will see what happens. We just want it over the line. We are all just focused on Saturday, it’s our last one at home, and that has to be our focus, nothing else.”

He was speaking to Sunderland Echo.

The 22-year-old is out of contract this summer, and Ian Watson has hinted he would like him permanently. EFL and Scottish clubs are believed to have monitored him, and as it stands his time with Sunderland ends at the close of the season.

Bainbridge has been central to Watson’s possession-based approach, with wing-backs asked to supply attacking threat. He and Dan Dodds have combined for nine goals and seven assists in league games, while the Mariners boast the division’s best defence with 41 conceded in 44.

Source: Sunderland Echo