Dean’s delight at getting one over his old club

Aug 31 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

FORMER Sunderland skipper Dean Whitehead cheekily suggested that the Black Cats shouldn’t have been so hasty in clearing out their squad after Stoke’s team of Stadium of Light old boys put one over their former employers.

Second-half substitute Whitehead was one of six former Sunderland men that lined up against Steve Bruce’s side at the Britannia, and admitted that it gave him some satisfaction to turn over his old club.

But, speaking to the North East press for the first time since he left the Black Cats, he reaffirmed his respect for the club and said he is convinced that they have the right manager to take them forward in the long-term.

Whitehead was the first high-profile departure of the summer, having decided to leave Sunderland long before Bruce was appointed boss. His final season was a mixed affair, and he angered some supporters by appearing to blame them for a defeat against Wigan on a day when the Black Cats were desperately poor.

He got a generous reception from the visiting fans, however, who recognised his contribution during some up-and-down years for the club. “It was a nice reception from the fans. There was a bit of sadness when I left. There is a great set of lads at Sunderland but I came for a new challenge,” he said.