Charlie Wyke crucial to Sunderland’s hopeful promotion back to the Championship

The Black Cats currently sit just outside the playoffs in the league, but as of recent, the club have secured a place in the Papa John’s Trophy final to play Tranmere Rovers. This is another trip to Wembley after losing in the final of the same competition two years ago. They will look to finally bring silverware back to the Stadium of Light.

The 28-year-old signed from Bradford at the beginning of the 2018/2019 season for an undisclosed fee. Wyke scored 23 goals in 18 months at Valley Parade and was seen as the perfect forward to push Sunderland back in the right direction.

The former Carlisle striker struggled for form at the start of his Sunderland career but has finally found his form now, reaching double figures already. His first two seasons saw only nine goals in 54 games, but now he’s already on 17 and is looking to break the 20 mark. His last league outing saw him put four past Doncaster in a 4-1 win.

New manager Lee Johnson was full praise for the ex-Middlesbrough academy player and has stated the importance of Wyke to the team. Sunderland still are looking to regain promotion back to the Championship after a three-year absence and Johnson may be the man to steer the ship in the right direction.

The former Bristol City manager has implemented his style of play at the Stadium of Light, with Wyke usually played as the main number nine. Sunderland does have competition for places up top, but the League One record signing Will Grigg has gone on loan to MK Dons for more game time, with Wyke has cementing his place the starting XI.

The former Kettering loanee is a key asset to Sunderland if he can stay fit. When he first joined the Black Cats, he saw himself sidelined with an injury, so if they can keep him fit, they have a real chance of finishing in the playoff zones and securing promotion back to the Championship.

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